Vote for One Local Charity to Win $10,000: Cox Cares Grant Polls Open September 1

Cox Orange Coast to Award $55,000 in Grants to 10 Local Nonprofits

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Aug 30, 2010, 11:35 ET

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning Wednesday, September 1, the public can vote online for their favorite nonprofit organization to receive a Cox Cares Grant of $10,000.

"Cox Orange Coast is committed to building a trusted partnership with the community – and that includes supporting the organizations that make a difference in our neighborhoods," said Gail Bongcaras, Community Relations Manager of Cox in Orange Coast. "We are inviting the community to have a voice in our grantmaking process. Those interested in making an impact in the community are encouraged to cast a vote."

Established in 2000, Cox Cares has donated nearly $700,000 to more than 95 local nonprofit organizations through in-kind and direct cash support, much of which is derived from the contributions of Cox Orange Coast's employees.

This year, Cox Cares received more than 120 grant applications. Ten finalists were selected by a committee of Cox associates and community and business leaders. Finalist selections were based on program quality and their potential impact on youth, seniors and education. The 2010 finalists are:

Child Guidance Center, Inc.
CHOC Foundation
Disability Awareness Foundation
Easy Lift Transportation
Helping Hand Worldwide
J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center
Ocean Institute
Providence Trinity Care Hospice Foundation
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation
Volunteer Center Orange County

The first place vote winner will receive a grant of $10,000 and the other finalists will receive grants of $5,000 each. To vote or to read more details about each organization, please visit www.cox-cares.org/grants. Voting is open until September 15. Winners will be announced at an award ceremony at Cox's headquarters in Ranch Santa Margarita on September 23, 2010.

Along with the grant program, the Cox Cares will continue to support the needs of youth and seniors, while promoting social issues, art, science and technology through a wide range of support activities for both organizations and individuals engaged in business and education. Cox is not simply a trusted provider in business, but also a partner in building a proud community. For more details, please visit www.cox-cares.org.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a multi-service, broadband communications and entertainment company serving more than 6.2 million residential and commercial customers. Locally, Cox Communications provides digital video, high-speed Internet and telephone services, along with dedicated community programming on Cox3 and Cox8, serving the Orange County communities of: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Tustin, select unincorporated areas of Orange County, as well as Palos Verdes, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Santa Barbara and portions of San Pedro. Additionally, Cox Business and Cox Media serve the high speed communications and local as well as national advertising needs of commercial customers. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com.