The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund Announces 100th Anniversary

This year marks the 100^th anniversary of The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund. The initiative debuted in 1911 under the leadership of Adolph S. Ochs, who was then the publisher of The New York Times. Over the 100 years of its existence, the Neediest Cases Fund has raised more than $250 million through the generous contributions of Times readers.

In order to provide direct assistance to troubled children, families and senior citizens, The New York Times asks readers for contributions to the Neediest Cases Fund. The annual campaign begins each November and continues until the following February. During that period, The Times publishes a different story each day that details assistance given to an individual or family in severe distress.

Assistance is provided by seven large multiservice agencies that serve New Yorkers of all denominations in the metropolitan area: Brooklyn Community Services; Catholic Charities, Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York; The Children’s Aid Society; Community Service Society of New York; Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies; and UJA-Federation of New York. The New York Times Company covers all administrative costs of the Neediest Cases Fund, so every dollar donated to the fund goes directly to serve those in need.

The 2011-2012 campaign will kick off on Nov. 6, 2011, and continue through Feb. 10, 2012. As part of the centennial celebration, the Neediest Cases Fund is pleased to collaborate with NYC Service in its "Service in Schools” initiative by helping connect New York City high school students with the seven social service agencies. Service in Schools tracks and supports student service across the city as a part of the overall mandate of NYC Service, which promotes service and volunteerism as a core part of what it means to be a citizen of New York City.

"The Neediest Cases Fund began 100 years ago under the leadership of my great-grandfather,” said Michael Golden, president of the Neediest Cases Fund. "Over the past 100 years, readers of The New York Times have responded to the stories of their neighbors in need with extraordinary generosity. I am hopeful that this year’s campaign, being undertaken at a time where the need in our city is so great, will be a major success.”

For more information on the Neediest Cases Fund, including past articles and ways to get involved, please visit www.nytimes.com/neediest.

About The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company, a leading media company with 2010 revenues of $2.4 billion, includes The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, 15 other daily newspapers and more than 50 Web sites, including NYTimes.com, BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com and About.com. The Company’s core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.

About NYC Service

NYC Service was launched by Mayor Bloomberg in April 2009 to meet his State of the City pledge for New York City to lead the nation in answering President Obama’s national call to volunteerism. NYC Service aims to drive volunteer resources to six impact areas where New York City’s needs are greatest and make New York City the easiest place in the world to volunteer.

This press release can be downloaded from www.nytco.com.