STEW LEONARD III CHILDREN’S CHARITIES PROVIDES MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO SOUTH NORWALK BRANCH LIBRARY’S 21st CENTURY FUND

NORWALK, Conn., May 30, 2006 -- The Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities foundation announced today it has made a $25,000 donation to the Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors’ 21st Century Fund. The 21st Century Committee’s goal of $250,000 is needed to provide the latest in computer technology equipment and related furnishings for the South Norwalk Branch Library expansion and renovation.

The Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities was founded in 1990 as the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation. Stew Leonard, Jr., President and CEO of Stew Leonard’s grocery stores, and his wife, Kim, created the foundation in memory of their son, Stew Leonard III, who died in 1989 in a drowning accident when he was 21 months-old. The foundation changed its name this year to broaden the scope of their community contributions to include education and health-oriented charitable organizations aimed at children.

"We are pleased to be able to make this contribution to the South Norwalk Branch Library’s expansion and modernization project, so that they can continue to provide our community with a state-of-the-art place to broaden their educational and cultural pursuits," said Stew Leonard, Jr.

Stan Siegel, chair of the 21st Century Fund, applauded the contribution, "We are delighted that the Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities foundation has chosen to support the community this way. Their commitment will go a long way to ensuring that we have the necessary funds to equip and furnish the Library as we enter the final phase of its expansion and renovation."

The South Norwalk Branch Library, at 10 Washington Street, which closed on Friday, July 23, 2004, is expected to reopen this summer. The modernization and expansion of the Carnegie-style building includes compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, updating the electrical system, adding nearly 3,700 square foot east and west wings, thereby creating more usable space for its patrons and the rest of the community. The Library is one of the more than 2,000 that Andrew Carnegie funded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The original portion of the Library will be preserved and will be enhanced by the innovative design.

The 21st Century Fund – www.snlibraryfund.org – is seeking contributions from the corporate community, other organizations and groups, as well as the public at large, to help assure that the South Norwalk Branch Library provides its users with state-of-the art computer and related technological equipment. Various opportunities will be available for major contributors to be recognized, in perpetuity, for donations such as rooms, areas, or components, named in their behalf.