Child Welfare League of America Names Valentino's, Inc. One of Best Corporate Friends of Children

3/6/2003

From: Joyce Johnson of CWLA, 202-942-0244 CWLA Press Room: 202-745-2128 (As of March 3) Mike Alesio of Valentino's, 402-434-9380

WASHINGTON, March 6 -- The Child Welfare League of America today released its second annual awards for the best Corporate Friends of Children. CWLA commends the corporations being recognized for their compassion for children in need and their generous contributions to this cause. This is especially important as they stood in stark contrast to the self-serving actions of several other high-profile corporations, which have dominated the media in recent times and negatively colored the public's perception of corporate America.

Valentino's, Inc., the Lincoln, Nebraska based franchiser of Valentino's restaurants and a long-standing member of the National Restaurant Association, is one of five companies recognized by the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) as a Corporate Friend of Children. Valentino's was selected for its outstanding commitment to children, youth, and families. Mike Alesio, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner, said that Valentino's strives to be a good corporate citizen, with all of the Valentino's families involved in civic activities across Nebraska, dedicated to giving something back to the people of Lincoln and of Nebraska.

"Valentino's focus has always been on the youth of our communities. From our involvement with Cedars Youth Services to our 'Parents and Children Together' (PACT) program with the Salvation Army and our 'High Five' program, in partnership with our public and private local schools, and numerous other efforts on behalf of youth, we recognize the rewards of investing our time and treasure in our youth."

"There is no greater gift that a person can give than to enrich the life of a child, especially for those less fortunate. We are so proud of Mike Alesio and Valentino's for winning this prestigious award. Valentino's embodies what it means to be a "corporate friend of children" through their tireless efforts to help young people. Restaurants are the cornerstones of their community, and across the country establishments like Valentino's are co stantly giving their time, talents and resources to make a difference," says Steven C. Anderson, President & Chief Executive Officer, National Restaurant Association.

Criteria used by CWLA in the selection of the awardees include: corporate personnel and management policies that promote the well-being of its employees; corporate giving and philanthropic activities that benefit children, youth, and families outside the corporate family; corporate products that are not harmful to children and families or their physical and cultural environment; and a sustained pattern of national, state, or local activities that benefit children, families, and the community.

Valentino's, Inc. was nominated by Cedars Youth Services, a CWLA member agency, of Lincoln, Nebraska. "Valentino's has been a great friend and supporter of Cedars for over 15 years," said Jim Blue, President and CEO of Cedars Youth Services. "They set an example for the entire country of true corporate philanthropy and partnership. It was our honor to nominate Valentino's for this prestigious award."

Shay Bilchik, CWLA's President & CEO, said, "We are pleased to present this award to Valentino's. By donating a van to Cedars Youth Services and helping with lease payments for the agency's other vans; hosting a holiday luncheon for residents in Cedars' shelters and group homes; donating dining room furnishing; and hosting the grand opening of Cedars' new Boys Home, Valentino's has demonstrated itself to be a model for others and is truly deserving of this year's Corporate Friend of Children Award."

The award will be presented to Valentino's at a dinner on March 6 during CWLA's national conference in Washington, DC. The annual dinner attracts over 1,000 child advocates, representatives from Capitol Hill, national child-serving organizations, foster parents, and others from across the country.

CWLA will also present Corporate Friend of Children awards to Ford Motor Company, SAS Institute, Target Corporation, and Astoria Federal Savings. CWLA also will honor Prudential Financial, Inc. as the Corporate Advocate of the Year.

Valentino's, Inc. Valentino's whose origin dates back to 1957 has been most associated with its great Italian food products and in particular its pizza and lasagne. In 1999, Valentino's introduced the Grand Italian Buffet(r) featuring 125 items including specialty buffets for breads, pizzas, pastas, salads, desserts, and Mexican and American specialties. Valentino's currently has 42 locations in seven states including the states of Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, & Minnesota. Additional information can be found on the company's website at http://www.valentinos.com.

Child Welfare League of America Established in 1920, the Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization. Headquartered in Washington, DC, CWLA strives to advance sound public policy on behalf of the more than three million abused, neglected, and vulnerable children served by its 1200 public and private member agencies. To further its mission of preserving, protecting, and promoting the well-being of all children and families, CWLA conducts research; develops standards of best practice; hosts regional and national conferences; provides comprehensive, field-based consultation and professional development services; and is the largest publisher of child welfare materials in North America. Additional information can be found on the League's website at http://www.cwla.org.