The start of

Something good

When Paul founded Newman’s Own in 1982 it was one of the first food companies to focus on high-quality ingredients you could find in your own kitchen.

What started as a bit of a lark with his friend A.E. Hotchner—giving his friends homemade dressing in old wine bottles—became a new opportunity to expand his philanthropic efforts and help even more people.

Paul Newman’s approach of giving away 100% of profits was still a unique concept, but he believed it was just the right thing to do.

Paul Newman’s Philanthropic Legacy

Paul Newman, a celebrity, was also a pioneering social entrepreneur who used his many resources to support children, their families, and their communities.

It was a cold December day in 1982 when Paul Newman prepared his first serious batch of salad dressing inside a derelict barn. His mission was to bottle enough dressing for his family to distribute around the neighbourhood as homemade Christmas gifts.

Paul already had a reputation as a salad dressing connoisseur among friends. When dining out, he would always request ingredients from the chef to make his own dressing, much to the bemusement of fellow diners. His passion wasn’t simply about taste, it was also about using the finest ingredients.

But, we digress. Back to that now infamous day when it all began: Paul filled an old washtub with olive oil, vinegar and pepper and stirred it endlessly with what looked suspiciously like a broken canoe paddle. When the bottles were ceremoniously filled for delivery, a sizable quantity of dressing was left over. Paul thought to bottle the rest, hustle them into some upscale local food stores to make a few bucks – and go fishing.

1992

A significant milestone

A significant milestone was reached of over $50 million donated to charity in the company’s first decade.

1997

expanded globally

By this time, Newman’s Own products had expanded globally, with distribution to countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

2005

Newman’s Own Foundation

Newman’s Own Foundation was established to carry on Paul Newman’s philanthropic legacy.

2008

Paul Newman’s life

On September 26, Paul Newman’s life and legacy are recognized upon his passing, honoring the actor, race car driver, and philanthropist who helped make the world a better place.

The SeriousFun Children’s Network brand was launched, uniting Paul Newman’s global family of camps, which have served over 384,700 kids since 1988.

2012

SeriousFun Children’s Network

The SeriousFun Children’s Network brand was launched, uniting Paul Newman’s global family of camps, which have served over 384,700 kids since 1988.

2017

celebrated 35 years

Newman’s Own celebrated 35 years of giving it all away in the US with worldwide donations exceeding $500 (USD) million

2022

celebrated 40 years

Newman’s Own celebrates 40 years and $600 million donated to great causes. The Foundation refocuses its mission and efforts on Paul’s early vision to help children who face adversity.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp opened in Connecticut, serving 288 kids in its first year. A place where children with life-threatening conditions could “raise a little hell.”

Our Values

Continuing the commitment

Paul Newman was passionate about bringing joy to children. Our work today honors his commitment to improving children’s lives.