Paul Newman Puts $8 Million Into Charities

Academy Award-winning actor Paul Newman has donated $8 million in last year’s profits from his celebrity foods business to more than 400 charities worldwide.

The total represents Newman’s share of the profits in 1990 from his Newman’s Own company, which has raised nearly $36 million for charity by selling popcorn, salad dressing and other foods since its founding eight years ago, officials said Monday.

The funds have gone to programs ranging from a one-room school house for the children of migrant workers to victims of floods, hurricanes, famines and other disasters.

“With the introduction of many new products, we anticipate a significant increase in profits, thereby benefiting more of the charities which have applied to the company for donations,” a spokesman said.

Newman’s Own, which began with spaghetti sauce Newman made in his kitchen for friends and is still based in his hometown of Westport, also sells lemonade, salsa and other sauces.

Newman and his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, have donated their profits from last year to children’s hospitals, AIDS and cancer research and programs for the homeless, the environment, the handicapped, the arts and education.

Newman, 65, has also spent millions of dollars to develop The Hole in the Wall Gang summer camp in rustic northeastern Connecticut for children with life-threatening diseases.

The 300-acre resort surrounding a large lake offers round-the-clock medical care and a host of outdoor and entertainment activities for the children, many of whom suffer from cancer and blood diseases.

Newman was recognized by Congress last year for his sponsorship of the camp and other charity efforts over the years.

Also last year, he was mentioned briefly by some as a possible gubernatorial candidate until he ended the speculation by denying he had political ambitions.