In honor of its 10th anniversary, the Cox Kids Foundation made a surprise donation totaling $100,000 to 10 local non-profit organizations to assist San Diego County children and families in the areas of health and social services, education, and technology. The surprise donations were announced during the foundation’s 10th anniversary celebration event at PETCO Park.

The 10 organizations that received the surprise donations are:

• Barrio Station – Helps disadvantaged high risk youth avoid negative lifestyles and reach their potential; www.barrio-station.org.

• Casa de Amparo – Supports those affected by and at risk of child abuse and neglect through a range of programs and services that promote healing, growth and healthy relationships; www.casadeamparo.org.

• Center for Community Solutions – Provides counseling to children who have been exposed to domestic violence; www.ccssd.org.

• Elementary Institute of Science – Offers after-school science and technology learning opportunities to children; www.eisca.org.

• Interfaith Community Services - Provides basic human services and enrichment programs to low-income, homeless and underserved people; www.interfaithservices.org.

• North County Latinas Association – Creates a healthy quality of life for all Latinas by empowering them socially and economically through education; www.sd-ncla.org.

• San Diego Center for Children - Provides art and music therapy to children struggling with severe emotional and behavioral disorders; www.centerforchildren.org.

• San Diego MANA – Empowers Latinas through leadership development, community service and advocacy; www.sdmana.org.

• STAR/PAL – Provides free youth programs and positive interaction with committed volunteers including law enforcement officers and firefighters; www.starpal.org.

• St. Vincent de Paul Village, Inc., Toussaint Teen Center – Provides group housing for homeless youth, ages 14-17, to help them grow into healthy and successful adults; www.svdpv.org.

The Cox Kids Foundation, a fund of the San Diego Foundation, is managed by a board of 40 Cox employees who volunteer their time to oversee the foundation and determine how the funds are allocated. The foundation is funded by employees who donate a portion of every paycheck to the foundation that is matched 100% by Cox Communications. Since 1999, the Cox Kids Foundation has raised more than $3 million to support children and families in need throughout San Diego County. In 2009, the foundation will donate more than $500,000 to the San Diego community.