NASCAR Star Tony Stewart & His Mom Recognized By Office Depot Foundation

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OFFICE DEPOT FOUNDATION HONORS TONY STEWART AND HIS MOTHER WITH ‘LISTEN LEARN CARE AWARD’
 Program Recognizes Exceptional Creativity and Innovation in Community Service

BOCA RATON, Fla., February 16, 2010 – The Office Depot Foundation – the independent, non-profit foundation that serves as the primary charitable giving arm of Office Depot – has recognized NASCAR driver Tony Stewart and his mother, Pam Boas, with the organization’s highest honor: the “Listen Learn Care Award.�??

This award reflects the Office Depot Foundation’s mission – Listen Learn Care® − by honoring people who have been exceptionally creative and innovative in following their dreams and in helping others to realize their goals and aspirations. Stewart and Boas have exemplified the award criteria through their outstanding support of the Office Depot Foundation National Backpack Program, as well as the ongoing charitable work they carry out through the Tony Stewart Foundation.

Stewart, a two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ champion and driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy, assisted the Office Depot Foundation last summer in donating its 2 millionth backpack since the inception of the National Backpack Program in 2001. The Indiana native personally presented backpacks filled with essential school supplies to children in need during “Back-to-School Backpack Celebration�?? events in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Indianapolis and Kansas City.

“It’s a great honor to receive the Office Depot Foundation’s ‘Listen Learn Care Award,’ especially alongside my mom,�?? Stewart said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to accomplish my dream of driving race cars for a living, and my mom always supported me in that goal. It means a lot to both of us to be able to give back and help others – especially kids – as they work hard toward achieving their dreams, too.�??

Boas, a board member of the Tony Stewart Foundation, assisted in donating more than 5,500 backpacks to a number of groups that the organization traditionally supports. These groups included the Bartholomew School District in Columbus, Ind., Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and several summer camp programs for children who are ill or have other special needs.

“These awards recognize not only what the recipients have accomplished, but also their vision, their dedication and their persistence,�?? says Office Depot Foundation President Mary Wong. “We are honored that Tony and Pam have shown such great confidence in the work of our foundation and look forward to partnering with them for many years to come.�??

The Listen Learn Care Awards were presented during the Foundation’s “Weekend in Boca�?? Civil Society Leadership Symposium, which attracted more than 125 representatives of non-profit organizations, government and businesses to Boca Raton for sessions focused on helping non-profits enhance the impact they make in their communities.

To learn more about the Office Depot Foundation, the National Backpack Program and its other initiatives, visit www.officedepotfoundation.org.

About the Office Depot Foundation
The Office Depot Foundation is an independent foundation (tax exempt under IRC Sec. 501(c)(3)) that serves as the independent charitable giving arm of Office Depot, Inc. In keeping with its mission, Listen Learn Care®, the Foundation supports a variety of programs that help children succeed in school and in life; enable civil society (non-profit) organizations to become more efficient and effective; help people and businesses prepare for disasters, then recover and rebuild afterwards; strengthen local communities through grants, product donations and volunteerism; and encourage community development through entrepreneurship and economic innovation.  For more information, visit www.officedepotfoundation.org.

Media Contacts:
Leon Rubin
Office Depot Foundation
561-251-8075
lrubin@jkggroup.com

Lisa Schmitz
Edelman for Office Depot Racing
312-240-2604
lisa.schmitz@edelman.com

To obtain a photo of Tony Stewart participating in an Office Depot Foundation backpack donation event, please contact Lisa Schmitz.

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