CHELMSFORD, Mass., JANUARY 24, 2000 -- New England based employees at Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) culminated a six-week fundraising campaign by donating $135,779.18 in cash contributions to Project Bread, a leading anti-hunger organization in Massachusetts. The fundraiser was part of a company-wide effort, which netted over $1 million among Cisco offices in Massachusetts, North Carolina and California. Local donations will be used to support food pantries, soup kitchens, food banks, and food salvage programs in Massachusetts, according to Ellen Parker, Executive Director of Project Bread.
"Once again, Cisco Systems has demonstrated itself to be a true community leader. This donation has nearly doubled last year's contribution, which makes Cisco the single largest corporate contributor to Project Bread," Parker said. "The spirit and generosity of Cisco employees will truly make a difference in the lives of hungry children and families."
"Cisco is excited about its expansion plans in New England and will continue to work with organizations, such as Project Bread and to make a difference in the community," said John Morgridge, Cisco's Chairman of the Board. "Cisco will focus its efforts on education via the Networking Academies Program and the community via the Cisco Foundation."
The Cisco fundraiser topped its donation of $70,000 raised during last year's campaign. The effort is part of an ongoing commitment to Project Bread, which includes support for the Walk for Hunger and other programs that raise money to help feed hungry families. Since December 1996, Cisco's total contributions to Project Bread have exceeded $300,000 locally.
Cisco employees held a bake sale, auction & raffle, received appraisals on their antiques, and drank root beer floats to collect funds for the cause. In addition, matching funds were contributed by Cisco's Chairman of the Board John Morgridge, as well as an overall match from the Cisco Foundation. During the fundraiser, Cisco volunteers also donated nearly 1,000 pounds of food and helped sort food donations at Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities food pantry in Lowell, a local program supported in part by Project Bread. Project Bread funds emergency feeding programs in more than 100 Massachusetts communities including Chelmsford, Lawrence and Lowell.
Cisco employs approximately 1500 people in New England and more than 24,000 worldwide.
