AAYTE Benefit to Honor Douglas Conant
October 27, 2010
PHILADELPHIA — Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education (AAYTE) will honor Douglas R. Conant, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Campbell Soup Company, as a Champion for Children at its 28th Annual Benefit for Children on Friday, April 29, at 6 p.m. at the AAYTE Center, 4842 Ridge Ave., it was announced today by Jerry L. Johnson, AAYTE Board Chairman.
“His leadership and commitment to Campbell’s efforts in Camden, the larger Philadelphia region, and throughout the country are commendable and deserving of our thanks.”
Johnson said Conant, a former competitive tennis player, will be honored for Campbell’s support and Conant’s own commitment to AAYTE’s programming in Camden, his leadership through the Campbell Soup Foundation to help improve the lives of young people in Camden, and the company’s commendable efforts to promote wellness, nutrition, and reduce childhood obesity and hunger.
“Doug Conant has been tremendously instrumental in Campbell’s continued support of Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education’s summer and after school programs in the city of Camden,” Johnson said. “His leadership and commitment to Campbell’s efforts in Camden, the larger Philadelphia region, and throughout the country are commendable and deserving of our thanks.”
“The efforts of Doug and the Campbell Soup Foundation have had a direct effect on our young people who participate in our numerous tennis, education, life skills, and leadership and development programs in the City of Camden,” said Kenny Holdsman, AAYTE President. “Our organizational commitment to young people from under-resourced families and communities in both Philadelphia and Camden is ironclad. Our Camden work has become substantial over the past few years with the support of some vital partners, none more valuable than Campbell.”
Campbell named Conant President and CEO in January 2001. He is the 11th leader in the Camden-based company’s 140-year history. Conant, 59, recently advised Campbell’s Board of Directors that he plans to step down as CEO on July 31, 2011, the end of the company’s fiscal year. Conant played competitive tennis in high school, college and graduate school. He is a Trustee of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI, where he hosts a group of AAYTE’s Camden youth in the summertime.
Individuals wishing to attend or serve as volunteers for the Benefit for Children should call AAYTE’s Philadelphia offices at 215-487-3477 or visit www.ashetennis.org.
Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education is a national model for innovative youth tennis, leadership development, and educational enrichment programs. Providing new opportunities to an at-risk and diverse population, AAYTE delivers first-class tennis instruction, fitness, equipment, tutoring, and life skills to young people ages 4 to 18, the majority of whom come from underserved communities. The Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center, 4842 Ridge Ave. in East Falls, is dedicated to serving young people, the only Center of its type in the country. In addition to its programs at the 16-court Center, programs are held in over 45 schools and recreation centers in Philadelphia and Camden, NJ. AAYTE corporate sponsors include, but are not limited to, Campbell Soup, Comcast Family of Companies, PECO, PNC and PRWT. Support also comes from various foundations, government agencies and individuals.