Cox Communications and Its Employees Donate $400,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America

PHOENIX, Sept. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications raised $400,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) at a company-sponsored fundraiser in Phoenix last night. The event celebrated Cox Communications' decade of support of BGCA, the company's primary philanthropic partner.

The contribution includes donations from employees and a company donation that will be used to fund Cox Technology Centers in local Clubs in Phoenix.

"Commitment to the communities we serve has always been an important value of our company starting with the founders," said Cox Communications President Pat Esser. "I'm proud to see our employees contribute to our long-standing partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, many of them on top of previous personal donations. Collectively, we want to ensure the youth in our communities are prepared to thrive in today's digital world."

Cox has contributed more than $20 million in cash and in-kind support to BGCA, which includes developing Cox Technology Centers in Clubs across the country. Cox supports more than 130 Boys & Girls Clubs in its 18 state footprint by providing discounted Internet, through employee volunteerism and holiday toy drives as well as cash donations and more. Cox has also installed more than 70 Cox Technology Centers in Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, including one that opened this year in Sierra Vista, Ariz. The resources provided via the Centers include computers and Internet access to help bridge the digital divide for children who have no online access at home. Boys & Girls Club members can use the Cox Technology Centers to assist with homework, research, job searches and college preparation.

Cox is also working to bridge the digital divide through Connect2Compete, a program that offers discounted Internet service to families with children who qualify for the National Free School Lunch program. In addition to offering Cox High Speed Internet service to eligible families for only $9.95, Cox includes free installation and modem rental.

"To be productive citizens in the 21^st century, young people need digital access for academic success that puts them on the track to a great future," said Dr. Damon A. Williams, senior vice president, program, training and youth development services at BGCA. "Digital access is critical for young people, so they can complete online college and job applications. We are thankful for Cox Communications' continued financial generosity and their commitment to supporting our mission and providing Club kids with Internet access and equipment in the Cox Technology Centers in Clubs across the country."

Arizona represents Cox's single largest market with more than three million residential and business product subscribers (a product subscriber represents an individual service purchased by a customer). The company has invested more than $1 billion in local technology infrastructure in the last five years and recently announced that it will debut its new gigabit Internet with Phoenix residential customers this fall. The service is 100 times faster than the average Internet connection and will deliver the leading U.S. speed to single family homes in Arizona for the first time.

About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For eight years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity nine times, including the last eight years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,100 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.

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SOURCE Cox Communications

For further information: Annette Filliat, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 404-487-5948, afilliat@bgca.org; Andrea Katsenes, Cox Communications, 623-328-3272, andrea.katsenes@cox.com