 |
News Releases |
Foundation Makes 3.5 Million Dollar Donation
Columbus, Georgia – May 19, 2005: The National
Infantry Foundation took a big step toward its fund-raising goal
with a gift of $3.5 million from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation.
Announcement of the grant came from foundation
president Charles H. McTier in a letter to Brad Turner, the National
Infantry Foundation’s Lead Gifts Chairman.
“We are most grateful to the Woodruff Foundation
for their generosity,” said National Infantry Foundation Chairman
MG Jerry White. “Their contribution provides a giant step
in our quest to honor those great Americans who have fought for
and defended the freedoms we all enjoy.”
The Woodruff Foundation honors Robert W. Woodruff,
who assumed leadership of the Coca-Cola Company in 1923, drove it
to a position of global dominance, and remained at the helm until
his death in 1985.
During World War II, Mr. Woodruff wanted every
soldier to enjoy a taste of home. “We will see that every
man in uniform gets a bottle of Coca-Cola for five cents, wherever
he is, and whatever it costs our company,” Woodruff said.
Working with General Dwight Eisenhower, he built 64 bottling plants
around the world to fulfill his pledge. Coca-Cola quickly became
America’s favorite soft drink, and the company’s support
for soldiers was cemented.
The Atlanta-based Woodruff Foundation has made
contributions to a number of Columbus projects in recent years,
including seven-figure gifts to the RiverCenter and the servant
leadership program developed by the Pastoral Institute and Columbus
State University.
In 2004, the Woodruff Foundation awarded more than
$101 million in grants, mostly in Georgia. More than 85 percent
of the grants went to programs and institutions in the Atlanta area.
Other news
releases.
|
