The Bank of New York Mellon Donates $60,000 to Four Syracuse-Based Nonprofits

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2009 — The Bank of New York Mellon has awarded $60,000 to four area nonprofit organizations — OnPoint for College, Inc., Arc of Onondaga, AIDS Community Resources and the Food Bank of Central New York. The contributions illustrate the company's long tradition of supporting the communities in which its employees live and work, including the greater Syracuse region.

"As a corporate leader and involved corporate citizen, these contributions are designed to improve the overall quality of life within our community," said Chris Mozina, Managing Director of Corporate Trust Operations. "Employees within the Syracuse region have a strong engagement with each of the organizations chosen. Giving back is part of our culture."

The $60,000 in charitable contributions representing the company's Syracuse-based employees was directed to:

OnPoint for College, Inc. — $20,000 for at-risk, low-income youths to pursue higher education and advanced studies. More than 98% of the program participants are first-generation college students. Nearly, 1,100 area students have enrolled in 155 colleges and universities.

Arc of Onondaga — $15,000 for operating support. Founded in 1951, Arc of Onondaga's residential, vocational, clinical and habilitative services have helped people with developmental disabilities achieve their fullest potential, turning disability into ability. It is estimated that 10 million Americans live with some form of developmental disabilities.

AIDS Community Resources (ACR) — $15,000 for operating support. ACR provides prevention, education, and support services to persons living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in the Central, Northern, and Mohawk Valley regions of New York State. One of ACR's groundbreaking prevention programs, DIVAS, helps to educate young Hispanic and African American women about HIV/AIDS and reduce risky behavior.

Food Bank of Central New York — $10,000 to help eliminate hunger through food distribution, education and advocacy. This contribution was part of The Bank of New York Mellon's corporate-wide initiative to purchase meals for more than 100,000 people worldwide.