An Academy Award Winner's Legacy

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

06 Aug 2006 09:01 AM

I love "Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette" salad dressing. It costs a bit more than the Kraft brand that I usually get, but every once and a while I splurge because I know that part of the proceeds go to aid Paul Newman's charities.

One of the Academy Award-winning actor's charities, is the "Hole in the Wall" camp designed for critically ill children. Newman started the first one more than 20 years ago in Connecticut and since then the camps have grown into an international phenomenon with a ninth "Hole in the Wall" camp opening soon in, get this, Israel. The camps are places where children who suffer from diseases like cancer and muscular dystrophy can "just be kids." Youngsters participate in typical summer camp activities such as swimming, horseback-riding, kayaking, crafts... and the children's families don't pay a dime. The camp fee is waived thanks in part to Newman's Own Foundation.

However, a recent report revealed that while Newman gives the camps some financial support and visits when he can, they must make their own way. Apparently, only about 15 percent of the money that Newman's Own Foundation gives out goes to the camps, which surprised me since I thought that much of the profits generated from the sale of his food products (salad dressing, popcorn, etc.) went to support the camps. Regardless, the camps are flourishing and their success has cleared the way for others to open around the world. Currently, there are Newman camps in Florida, California, Italy, and France.

The 81-year-old actor says it's getting harder for him to visit each of the campsites, but he says there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the "children having fun." At a recent press conference Newman told reporters, "If I leave a legacy, it will be the camps."

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Libby Pelham (12965) 06 Aug 2006 11:07 AM

That's great that Paul decided to contribute like that. I love his salad dressing and spaghetti sauces. Plus, he was such a doll when he was younger - those blue eyes...sigh.