LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2009 – As part of their continuing commitment to help families in need, Sempra Energy Foundation, along with the Sempra Energy family of companies, today announced a $1.5 million initiative and employee matching-grant program for Southern California.

         The initiative was launched at one of the oldest continuously operating social service organizations in the Los Angeles region, The Midnight Mission on Skid Row.   At the event, Sempra Energy employees helped feed more than 1,500 people.

          “This donation and employee matching grant-program is about giving to our community at a time when many are finding it difficult to make ends meet,” said Francisco J. Urtasun, executive director of the Sempra Energy Foundation and director of corporate community partnerships for Sempra Energy.  “Our company and our employees want to support causes that are helping families during these times, and we’re pleased to be able to match their efforts.”

         As part of the $1.5 million initiative, Sempra Energy Foundation presented a $25,000 grant to The Midnight Mission to fund programs that will help families in need during these difficult economic times.  Sempra Energy and Sempra Energy Foundation support non-profit organizations that help those struggling with everyday basic needs, such as food and shelter.

         “I don’t know where I would be without the help,” said Abigail Adviento, a single mother who benefitted from The Midnight Mission’s Family Transition Program.  “My children and I have obtained the services we need to get our lives back on track.”

         “This effort by Sempra Energy Foundation is amazing, in its timing and breadth,” said Larry Adamson, president of The Midnight Mission.  “We hope that it will galvanize community support during these trying times.”

         From June 15 through July 3, all Sempra Energy employees will have an opportunity to donate funds to a select list of non-profit organizations in Southern California.  Sempra Energy Foundation will match employee contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to $500 each.

         Additionally, as part of this charitable effort, earlier this year, Sempra Energy’s utilities –Southern California Gas Co. and San Diego Gas & Electric – donated $500,000 to United Way to provide bill-payment assistance to qualified customers.

         The Midnight Mission is one of the oldest, continuously operating social-services organizations in the region, providing food, shelter, drug and alcohol recovery services, job training and employment opportunities to thousands of individuals daily.  For more information on The Midnight Mission, visit www.midnightmission.org

         The Sempra Energy Foundation is the 501(c)(3) private foundation of Sempra Energy, a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2008 revenues of nearly $11 billion.  The Sempra Energy companies’ 13,600 employees serve more than 29 million consumers worldwide.  For more information on Sempra Energy Foundation, visit www.sempraenergyfoundation.org.

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