DALLAS (July 18, 2011) — The Dallas-based Dean Foods Foundation has pledged $1.25 million over the next five years to establish a lead endowment to help fund Children’s extensive basic science, translational and clinical research initiatives. The commitment is the largest corporate gift to endowment in Children’s Medical Center history and makes Dean Foods Foundation the largest corporate partner, with total giving in excess of $2.5 million. Dean Foods Company established the Dean Foods Foundation in 2008 to strengthen the company’s ability to provide strategic philanthropic support to national, regional and local organizations working in key focus areas.

Over the past 10 years, Children’s Medical Center has dramatically increased its commitment to a comprehensive pediatric research program to complement its outstanding clinical programs. “It is clear that effective research programs enhance clinical practices, and the scope of our patient services provides unique opportunities for physician-scientists to conduct groundbreaking research,” said Christopher J. Durovich, president and CEO of Children’s. “We are deeply grateful to Dean Foods Foundation for their continued generosity to Children’s and for their recognition of the critical need for research in pediatrics.”

“We hope this gift will help Children’s explore the frontiers of science in the pursuit of causes and cures for numerous pediatric diseases,” said Gregg Engles,
chairman and CEO of Dean Foods Company and a member of the Children’s Board of Directors. “Science and research sets Children’s apart from other pediatric hospitals in the region, and Dean Foods Foundation is proud to help support the new medical discoveries that will serve the kids of North Texas and beyond, for years into the future.”

Dean Foods takes pride in its role as a responsible corporate citizen and is committed to nurturing and supporting the communities where it does business. This new gift comes on the heels of a previous five-year commitment of support to Children’s.

About Children’s Medical Center

Children’s Medical Center is private, not-for-profit, and is the seventh largest pediatric healthcare provider in the country with 559 licensed beds, two full-service campuses and 10 outpatient sites. Children’s was the state’s first pediatric hospital to achieve Level 1 Trauma status and is the only pediatric teaching facility in North Texas, affiliated with UT Southwestern Medical Center. For more information about Children’s or how to give, please visit www.childrens.com.

About Dean Foods Foundation

The Dean Foods Foundation supports organizations and programs that ensure children in our communities have access to the healthy foods they need to grow and thrive, and that enhance their understanding of the importance of a balanced, nutritious diet – now and throughout their lives. Understanding that the provision of fresh, nutritious food begins on the farm, we support programs and organizations that promote responsible agricultural practices and the future of farming through agricultural education. The Dean Foods Foundation also supports disaster response and relief efforts in times of crisis primarily in the communities where we do business. For more information, visit www.deanfoods.com.

Media Contact:
Children’s Medical Center
April Sutton
(214) 456-8377 office
(281) 853-4887 mobile
April.Sutton@childrens.com

Dean Foods Foundation
Liliana Esposito
(214) 721-7766 office
(214) 907-2716 mobile
Liliana_esposito@deanfoods.com