NEW YORK, NY. - September 17, 2008 - The Charles Bronfman Prize has just launched its 2009 award cycle aimed at seeking young, extraordinary humanitarians from throughout the world. The Prize, now in its fifth cycle, celebrates the vision and talent of an individual or team under 50 years of age whose humanitarian work has contributed significantly to the betterment of the world. Its goal is to bring public recognition to dynamic individuals whose universally-shared Jewish values infuse their humanitarian accomplishments and provide inspiration to the next generations.

Nomination guidelines and forms for the $100,000 award are available at www.TheCharlesBronfmanPrize.com. Nominations for the 2009 Prize will be accepted September 1 through November 30, 2008.

"We are enthusiastic about our quest for remarkable individuals so that we can continue our father’s legacy. He taught us to believe in and invest in the abilities of young people who are committed to making a difference in the world. In our eyes, there could be no greater way to pay tribute to him than to seek out young innovators in every part of the world," said Charles Bronfman's children, Ellen Bronfman Hauptman, Andrew Hauptman, Stephen Bronfman and Claudine Blondin Bronfman, the Founders of the Prize. "We welcome nominations from all fields and from all countries."

The Prize has been privileged to consider hundreds of nominations on behalf of women and men representing more than 20 countries and a breadth of fields ranging from exciting applications of medicine and science, education, human rights, conflict resolution, social justice, community development and compassionate care. The Prize process brings together nominating teams from many religions and representatives from government, the private sector, foundations, humanities, academia and elsewhere.

Charles Bronfman pointed to past Prize recipients as the types of nominees being sought. "Each of our recipients has transformed the world in measurable and inspiring ways, with their vision and values guiding them. Their initiatives are breathtaking in scope and deserving of recognition and support. We hope to receive nominations for the 2009 Prize cycle for candidates who demonstrate the same leadership, innovation and impact we have seen in past recipients."

"We are heartened by the humanitarian achievements of our Prize alumni," said Jeffrey Solomon, President of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies and a Trustee the Prize. "Jay Feinberg established a bone marrow registry, motivating tens of thousands of young people to become bone marrow donors. Alon Tal's innovative programs aimed at ensuring a clean environment in the Mideast have been met with success even in the midst of political conflict. Amitai Ziv's medical simulation protocols have decreased the number of medical errors made on patients around the globe," Solomon continued. "We want to learn of others who are inspiring the next generations and who merit being spotlighted."

"Receiving The Charles Bronfman Prize has propelled our work immeasurably, shining a light on our efforts among global audiences we only dreamed of reaching," said Rachel Andres, 2008 Prize recipient and the Director the Solar Cooker Project of Jewish World Watch. The Project successfully introduced innovative cardboard cookers to the Darfur refugee camps in Chad, lessening the risk of rape and attack on the women and girls that frequently occurred when they left their camps to forage for firewood to cook their food.

A panel of internationally-regarded Judges will award the 2009 Prize in the spring of 2009.

About the Founders

Ellen Bronfman Hauptman and her husband Andrew Hauptman are Co-Chairman and Chairman and CEO, respectively, of Andell Holdings, a private investment firm and family office with global business and investment interests. Mr. Hauptman is also owner and Chairman of Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire. Through Andell Entertainment, he is currently at work on a number of films including Universal Pictures’ "State of Play," starring Russell Crowe. Mr. Hauptman and Mrs. Bronfman Hauptman are involved in the oversight of The Hauptman Family Foundation and the Zoe Saidye Hauptman Memorial Fund. They are also Co-Founders of City Year Los Angeles which unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service as tutors, mentors, and role models.

Stephen Bronfman is Chairman of Claridge Inc., with worldwide interests in real estate, sports, entertainment, and food production. He sits on the board of directors of the David Suzuki Foundation and the Canadian Centre for Architecture, and is President of the Stephen R. Bronfman Foundation. His endeavors extend to both North America and Israel. Claudine Blondin Bronfman worked for Molson Coors Brewing Company and has been involved in philanthropic pursuits, including The Summit School and the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation.

About Charles Bronfman

Charles Bronfman is best known for his role as Co-Chairman of Birthright Israel International. This highly successful program, created as a gift from one generation to the next, provides an educational travel experience to Israel for young Jewish adults aged 18 to 26. He was Chairman of Koor Industries Ltd., one of Israel’s largest industrial holding companies from 1997 to 2006. Prior to the December 2000 formation of Vivendi Universal, he was Co-Chairman of The Seagram Company Ltd. and had served as Chairman of the Executive Committee since 1975. In addition, he was Chairman and principal owner of the Montreal Expos Baseball Club from 1968 to 1990.

Charles Bronfman Prize, The

Charles Bronfman Prize, The

The Charles Bronfman Prize is an humanitarian award created and endowed by his children -- Ellen Bronfman Hauptman and Andrew Hauptman together with Stephen Bronfman and Claudine Blondin Bronfman -- in honor of their father’s 70th birthday. Charles Bronfman has spent a lifetime developing, implementing and supporting initiatives that help to strengthen the unity of the Jewish people; investing in next generations to expand their knowledge and appreciation of their history, heritage and cultural identity; and impacting on the direction of Jewish life and community. The Prize celebrates the vision and talent of an individual or team under 50 years of age, whose humanitarian work has contributed significantly to the betterment of the world. Its goal is to bring public recognition to young, dynamic individuals whose Jewish values infuse their humanitarian accomplishments and provide inspiration to the next generations. An internationally recognized panel of Judges selects the Prize recipient(s) and bestows an award of $100,000.

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