SAN DIEGO, Dec. 16, 2010 – For the second consecutive year, Sempra Energy Foundation today announced $1 million in charitable donations to non-profit organizations in California and the U.S. Gulf region as part of its continuing commitment to help people in need.  The contributions also include a grant-incentive program to support the Sempra Energy family of companies’ employee volunteer efforts.

        “There are thousands of people in need this holiday season, so we are pleased to be able to provide help through our financial support and through the tireless efforts of the employees of the Sempra Energy companies, who volunteer their time to many community organizations,” said G. Joyce Rowland, president of Sempra Energy Foundation. “

        As part of the $1 million initiative, Sempra Energy Foundation donated grants to more than 114 organizations including: Midnight Mission in Los Angeles, the San Diego Armed Services YMCA, Port Cities Rescue Mission in Louisiana and the Prodisee Food Pantry in Alabama, among others. The grants go toward providing food, shelter, emergency supplies and other assistance.

        "Sempra Energy Foundation has really stepped up to address the needs of military families in our community,” said Brittany Catton, Armed Services YMCA development director. “By supporting the San Diego Armed Services YMCA not only during the holidays, but also year-round with ongoing food assistance and emergency relief programs, we’re able to meet the challenge of serving 8,000 military men and women and their families each month – up from 6,000 a month in 2009 – due in large part to Sempra Energy Foundation’s generous support."
 
        “With Sempra Energy Foundation’s generous support we will be able to continue to feed, clothe and offer recovery to more people, which is particularly important as the weather turns colder and our economy remains uncertain,” said Larry Adamson, president and chief executive officer of the Midnight Mission.

        Additionally, as part of its charitable efforts, earlier this year, Sempra Energy Foundation donated $1 million in grants to non-profit organizations with programs that focus on environmental education.
 
        Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2009 revenues of about $8 billion.  The Sempra Energy companies’ 13,800 employees serve about 25 million consumers worldwide.  For more information on Sempra Energy Foundation, visit www.sempraenergyfoundation.org.
 
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