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LEON REINHART HONORED FOR CROSS-BORDER PHILANTHROPY

SAN DIEGO – Oct. 25, 2007 – The rise in poverty, health and educational issues spanning from Mexico to Central America has resulted in an increased need to help aid citizens who are lacking the tools to better their situations.

In response to that need, individuals like Leon Reinhart have set out to make a difference by providing leadership and support to cross-border philanthropic giving.  Currently overseeing the Reinhart Foundation, Reinhart’s efforts toward improving poverty and education in Mexico, Meso-America and Central America were recently recognized at the International Community Foundation and Fundación International de la Comunidad A.C.’s second annual gala on Oct. 20.  At the event, Reinhart received the organization’s International Philanthropic Leadership Award.

The gala, which was held to celebrate efforts to expand cross-border philanthropy and improve health, benefited the International Community Foundation’s Sustainable Communities Fund and Fundación International de la Comunidad A.C.   In addition to honoring Reinhart, the event supported charitable giving and volunteerism benefiting communities and local nonprofit organizations with an emphasis in Baja California.

“Leon has been a philanthropic leader of the International Community Foundation for nearly 10 years,” said the International Community Foundation’s board chair, Mary Walshok, Ph.D.  “Leon’s support has helped eradicate poverty among the Mayans, aid cultural preservation in Meso-America and fund education programs in Mexico.  His commitment to this organization, as well as cross-border giving, is demonstrated through his multi-million dollar support of these charitable causes.”

Reinhart is the former chairman and CEO of the First National Bank and a retired executive of Citibank.  He also served as the chairman of the International Community Foundation for four years, where he played a strong role in the organization’s institutional development.  Reinhart’s work has helped promote cross-border grant making in the Americas with a focus on bettering lives in Mexico, Guatemala and Meso-America.

or more information on the International Community Foundation and ways to help, please visit www.icfdn.org.