Published 09-30-08
Submitted by American Express Company
NEW YORK,NY. - September 30, 2008 - American Express revealed today the top five projects selected as finalists for Members Project (www.membersproject.com). Over the past few weeks, Cardmembers have come together through this online initiative to submit, discuss and vote for projects to make a positive impact in the world that American Express will fund with a total of $2.5 million. Starting today through October 13, Cardmembers will have one last chance to vote for their favorite project and determine how the $2.5 million is put into action. The organization associated with the project with the most votes by Cardmembers will receive $1.5 million. Organizations associated with the second place and third place projects will receive $500,000 and $300,000 in funding, respectively, and the remaining two finalist projects will receive $100,000 from American Express based on Cardmember votes.
Cardmembers can vote to show their support for their favorite project at www.membersproject.com by clicking on the star next to the project of their choice. Cardmembers may vote once during each voting phase and even those without an American Express(R) Card can use the many social networking tools and online discussion boards to raise awareness and spur dialogue about their favorite project.
TOP FIVE PROJECT SUBMISSIONS*
The top five selected projects relate to both national and global communities. It's now up to Cardmembers to decide the top project which will be announced on October 14. Below are descriptions of each project as provided by the submitting Cardmembers.
EXPERTS ON MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE
To vet project submissions and help narrow the field to the top 25 projects, American Express established the Members Project Advisory Panel, a roster of thought leaders and experts in arts, community, education, the environment and health.
The Members Project 2008 Advisory Panel includes:
In 2007, American Express provided $2 million in funding to UNICEF to bring the project "Children’s Safe Drinking Water" to life, helping to significantly reduce waterborne diseases by promoting household water treatment, safe storage and a healthy environment. This project continues and through funding from Members Project, UNICEF is able to provide safe water to more than 3.5 million people in several countries for at least two years.
For more information or to discuss and vote on projects, visit www.MembersProject.com.
About American Express and Good Citizenship
Giving back is a core value and being a "good citizen" is a hallmark of American Express. Often credited as the first company to launch a cause-related marketing campaign via a program benefiting the Statue of Liberty in 1983, American Express has continued to roll out successful initiatives around the world that enhance communities and bring support to important causes.
More and more people are seeking ways to give back, align with important social issues and do business with companies that are making a positive impact. Members Project is a key way to bring to life the value of Membership for American Express Cardmembers, empowering them to unite to make a positive impact in a meaningful way.
American Express Company is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.
* Cardmembers selected project categories and project descriptions are in their own words, but some may have been modified for the purposes of this announcement.
American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.
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