SAN DIEGO, May 29, 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 a food distribution event benefiting more than 200 military families at the San Diego Armed Services YMCA, in partnership with the San Diego Food Bank.  Sempra Energy employees helped distribute a variety of non-perishable food items to the families at the event. 

        “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 Frank Urtasun, executive director of the Sempra Energy Foundation and director of corporate community partnerships for Sempra Energy.  “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, the Sempra Energy Foundation presented a $20,000 grant to the Armed Services YMCA and $50,000 grant to the San Diego Food Bank to support food distribution programs that will help families in need during these difficult economic times.

        “We know the need is great, especially in the summer months when we see a spike in our emergency supplies program,” said Brittany Catton, Armed Services YMCA development director.  “We are so grateful to the Sempra Energy Foundation and the San Diego Food Bank for their support of military families and their commitment to this hands-on project to assist this Murphy Canyon military housing community – the largest in the nation.”

        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.  The 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 – San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas Co. – donated $500,000 to United Way to provide bill-payment assistance to qualified customers. 

        The San Diego Armed Services YMCA was founded in 1920 and serves over 6,000 San Diego junior-enlisted military service members and their families each month with an assortment of absolutely free programs, including confidential counseling and other social services.  No membership or dues required. Visit www.militaryymca.org for more information on the Neighborhood Exchange, and other free programs.

        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.

###