ready willing - Darden Restaurants

eadyandwillingto serveExecutive SummaryFrom its roots in 1968, Darden Restaurantscommitted to delivering genuine serviceto others and is recognized for a culture thatrewards caring for and responding to people.That defines service to us.One of our core values, “Being of service,”is a concept that began 40 years ago withour founder, Bill Darden. The DardenRestaurants, Inc. Foundation works tocontinually bring to life this spirit of servicethrough its philanthropic support of charitableorganizations across the country. We carryout this mission by focusing our philanthropicefforts on these key program areas:ACCESS TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONOur education initiatives, including oursignature platform Recipe for Success SM ,support organizations that positivelyimpact the educational prospects ofunderserved youth, ages 14 to 18, byproviding them with access to theinformation and tools they need topursue their dreams of higher education.GOOD NEIGHBOR GRANTSGood Neighbor grants support arts,cultural and social services programs andorganizations based in Central Florida.PRESERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCESWe support organizations whose missionis to protect wildlife, restore and preserveecosystems and teach environmentalsustainability.service: [serv•ice]noun – an act of helpfulactivity, aid.Our Recipe for Success education initiative,started in 2009, has expanded to includepartnerships with College Summit, Boys &Girls Clubs of America, Hispanic CollegeFund and the United Negro College Fund.Our work in environmental sustainabilityhas led us to partner with the EvergladesFoundation to help protect and restoreAmerica’s Everglades, one of the world’sunique natural ecosystems, and to ensurefresh water and a thriving ecosystem in theFlorida Bay for many years to come. GoodNeighbor grants have allowed us to continueto champion the arts, cultural and socialservices organizations and programs wehave long supported here in Central Florida.And we’ve embarked on new initiatives likeour membership in the American Red CrossAnnual Disaster Giving Program, whichenables the Red Cross to be preparedbefore disaster strikes by providing a reliablefunding base for relief services, resulting inimmediate response to those affected.As a restaurant company, it’s impossible toignore the reality of the need for food. Nearly37 million Americans – including 14 millionchildren – are at risk of hunger. In fiscal year2010, our restaurants contributed 8.8 millionpounds of cooked food to local food banksacross the United States through the DardenHarvest food donation program.Our 2010 report showcases some of ourkey partners but only touches the surfaceof the breadth and depth of our commitmentto giving back. More than 1,800 restaurantsand 180,000 employees strong, we’re proudof our legacy of service and stand readyand willing to continue to serve in thecommunities where we live and work.DRI Foundationhas funded over$52 million1995since4 / E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y