News Release

For Immediate Release
August 28, 2006                                                                                                 
Contact:  Mike Ward
(662) 449-3699

Maddox Foundation Makes Grant to Desoto Sunrise

The Maddox Foundation has made a grant of $10,000 to Desoto Sunrise Homes in Southaven, MS. Robin G. Costa, President of Maddox Foundation, noted that the grant was for the general operations of the faith-based agency, which operates a residential group home for girls and an emergency shelter for children in Desoto County.

“This is the fourth year we have provided this support to Desoto Sunrise,” said Costa. “We firmly believe in the work of its dedicated staff and volunteers, and applaud the commitment of Desoto Sunrise to children in northwest Mississippi. They provide a unique and highly needed service to our community.”

Paul T. Morris, Business Manager and Secretary for the Foundation, presented the check to Dr. David Donaldson, President, and Trey Agner, Ministry Development Coordinator, last week (photo attached). “The Maddox Foundation stepped up several years ago and provided much needed support at a critical time in the history of Desoto Sunrise,” said Donaldson. “Without their support, the future of this decades-old agency would have been in doubt.”

“The funds, while appreciated immensely, represent only the tip of the iceberg that is Maddox Foundation’s support for Desoto Sunrise,” Donaldson continued. He pointed out that as early as 2001, Costa and Morris met frequently with the agency to provide advice and technical support. “We consider capacity building for our grantees to be an essential part of our mission,” said Costa, “and we encourage our staff to work with the agencies we fund to ensure that the grants are effectively and efficiently spent.”

“Maddox Foundation was an early supporter of our annual fundraiser, the Harvest Ball,” said Donaldson. “They have also arranged through the Maddox Sports franchises for our children to attend numerous sporting events over the past several years, providing much needed recreational outlets for our clients,” he said.

The Maddox Foundation serves as a catalyst for building strong and viable communities that meet the needs of their citizens through collaborative action and services. The Foundation focuses its grant making activity on middle Tennessee and Northwest Mississippi, including, but not limited to select counties in the two states. Following years of service to the Maddox family businesses, Robin G. Costa now serves as President and CEO of the Maddox Foundation.