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Press Release: Via Foundation Announces 2009 Via Bona Award Winners

09/30/2009

Prague - On September 22, the Via Foundation presented the 12th Annual Via Bona Awards acknowledging the best philanthropic practices in the Czech Republic. Winners were announced at a ceremony at the Prague Residence of the United States Ambassador.

The Awards were presented to six recipients including both individuals and companies who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment and effective approach to their charitable activity.

Over one hundred guests from the domestic, as well as international, cultural and political world were on hand to honor the recipients and Via Bona Award presenters included Senator Karel Schwarzenberg, Countess Mathilda Nostitzová, and General Director of Telefónica O2, Salvador Anglada.

The winners of the 2009 Via Bona Award in each of the individual categories are:

1. The Award for Individual Giving:

Marek Stanzel
For his generous donation of over 2 million Kč for the construction and operation of the Dobrého pastýře (Good Shepard) Hospice, the only care institution of its kind in the Central Bohemian region.

2. The Award for Large Corporations:

Československá obchodní banka, a. s.
For their financial literacy and educational programs, the employee volunteer program Pomáháme společně (Together We Help), and numerous other efforts in which they act in a valuable advisory capacity to support the operation and development of non-profit organizations to strengthen communities.

3. The Award for Small-Medium Sized Companies:

Josef KVAPIL, a. s.
For their long-term financial and material assistance of the volunteer-based Střediska SOS (SOS Centre), which supports community based projects in Olomouc; including the One World Festival in Olomouc, or the Spolek Trend vozíčkářů Olomouc (Olomouc Trend Wheelchair Society).

4. The Support of Innovative Projects Award:

Jaroslav Sklenář
For his generous donation of 1 million Kč to build a low-energy, environmental friendly school in the Indian Himalayas, as well as his personal oversight during the construction of the school.

5. The Employee Giving and Volunteerism Award:

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a. s.
For the establishment and operation of the T-Mobile Fund – a charitable fund financed by employee donations that has, to date, distributed nearly 10 million Kč to 150 deserving projects, including the Jeden den pro váš dobrý skutek (One Day for Your Good Deed) program.

6. The Long-term Partnership Award:

Pavel Cinder
For his on-going support of the Committee of Good Will – Olga Havlová Foundation. For the past 10 years, Pavel Cinder has provided graphic design to the foundation free of charge.

A Growing Tradition

The number and volume of charitable donations from companies and individuals in the Czech Republic has increased rapidly over the past several years.

“In 2007, individuals and corporation donated a record 3.978 billion Kč,” reported Ondřej Jakob, press spokesman for the Ministry of Finance.

“141,000 taxpayers listed donations on their tax returns in 2007, but the potential for additional growth, both in the number and amount of gifts, is still quite considerable,” added Jiří Barta, Executive Director of the VIA Foundation. “Often all it takes is for nonprofits to ask the right person for help.”

This was confirmed by Marek Stanzel, the recipient of this year’s Via Bona Award for Individual Giving in recognition for his over 2 million Kč support of the Dobrého pastýře Hospice.

“I met with some of my old friends from high school and heard about this project, which caught my attention,” Stanzel explained. “Our society sticks its head into the sand, and tries to hide death as if it’s only something that happens in films. We must remember, however, that most of us will one day need this kind of care.”

One of the newest trends in corporate philanthropy is employer matching gifts. T-Mobile is helping to pioneer this in the Czech Republic; their efforts earned them this year’s Employee Giving and Volunteers Award. Roland Mahler, General Director of T-Mobile Czech Republic, was on hand to receive the Award.

“I am very proud that T-Mobile has received the Via Bona Award in the category of Employee Giving,” Mahler said. “This is an important recognition for my colleagues. Thanks to them, programs such as these have increased importance and real meaning. I would like to use this occasion to express my sincere thanks for their enthusiasm and support.” This year’s award winners were selected by a commission that included the following members: Blanka Šrámková (NROS – Pomozte dětem), Ivana Šatrová (Telefónica O2), Martina Riebauerová (MF Dnes), Lucie Tvarůžková (Hospodářské noviny), Jiří Wald (MUCOS Pharma CZ), Martin Frýdl (AC&C PR), Tomáš Vyhnálek (Společnost Člověk v tísni při České televizi) and Vladimír Kroc (Český rozhlas).

For additional information, please contact:

Petra Krystiánová,
petra.krystianova(at)nadacevia.cz, 777 108 207
Táňa Hlavatá, tana.hlavata(at)nadacevia.cz, 732 862 903
Jiří Bárta, jiri.barta(at)nadacevia.cz, 777 715 455

Via Bona Award

The Via Bona Award is a prestigious distinction presented each year to those companies and individuals who serve as an example to others, through providing effective charitable support to make their community a better place to live. Candidates for the award are nominated by the individuals or organizations who have benefited from their philanthropy. The final award winners are selected by revolving 2-year commission made up of 8 representatives from the media, corporate world, and nonprofit sector.

The Via Foundation

The Via Foundation is the largest private supporter of community development in Bohemia and Moravia. Since its establishment in 1997, Via has supported over 2,400 charitable projects in communities throughout the Czech Republic with grants totaling over 210 million Kč.

Internet: www.en.nadacevia.cz