Newman’s Own Continues Charitable Legacy

Paul Newman started his company, Newman’s Own, along with A.E. Hotchner as a gag in 1982 to sell his salad dressing.  27 years later and the company has donated over $265 million to charities all across the world, although now it is only Paul Newman’s name that lives on.  The 83-year-old actor and philanthropist passed away last fall, leaving some doubts as to what would become of his charitable company and its original mission.  But it appears we have nothing to fear; Newman’s Own has become a foundation, as of two years ago.  Paul Newman, who once personally distributed the profits, set up a private and independent foundation to continue his work should he die.  His wife, actress Joanne Woodward, and daughter Nell also continue the family business and Newman’s enduring legacy.

 One-of-a-kind, Paul Newman started the trend of celebrity philanthropy.  He conquered Hollywood and then set out to promote healthy lifestyles and help the world.  Newman’s Own has always utilized organic and all natural ingredients, from his famous salad dressings and pasta sauce to popcorn to dog food and now, pizza.  Last year, Newman’s Own donated $28 million alone based on these popular products. 

 So, where does the money go?  One good cause Newman’s Own donates to is the Safe Water Network, which Newman himself helped begin.  The Safe Water Network provides safe drinking water in poverty-riddled communities like those in India and Africa.  And, as always, 100 percent of the profits benefit other charities and camps, like his Hole in The Wall association. 

 A product of Paul Newman’s imagination and big heart is the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, with 11 all over the world to help children with life-threatening illnesses.  Named for the infamous gang immortalized in one of his best films, “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid,” the camps help to heal children with AIDS and leukemia while allowing them to live and have fun like any other unburdened child.  Newman, who felt blessed and lucky throughout his own life, always felt driven to give back to others less fortunate than himself.  All of his organizations will continue to live on and help to heal the world. 

 Paul Newman has truly helped to make the world a better and healthier place.  He lived the completely healthy life that Newman’s Own promoted and put his smiling face on every product.  So, while Paul Newman was only able to give us 83 beautiful years, all of his organizations will continue to live on and help to heal the world.

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 Ashley Strickland is a senior at the University of Georgia. She is a summer intern for SocialYell and blogs about health, social equity, consumer advocacy, charity, sustainability and just about anything green.