Timeline

  • 1980

    Paul Newman and Hotch filled empty wine bottles in the basement with homemade salad dressing to give as holiday gifts to friends and neighbors. After a few weeks, they came back asking for more.

  • 1982

    Newman’s Own Salad Dressing officially launched, generating over $300,000 in first-year profits. Paul declared, “Let’s give it all away to those who need it!”

  • 1983

    The Newman’s Own product line started expanding with the introduction of pasta sauce. Newman’s Own entered the Australia market.

  • 1988

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

  • 1991

    Following the success of salad dressing, pasta sauce, lemonade, and microwave popcorn, Newman’s Own introduced salsa — all from Paul’s recipes.

  • 1992

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

  • 1997

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

  • 1999

    The Newman’s Own Awards were established to recognize organizations with inspiring initiatives to help improve quality of life for military service members and their families.

  • 2005

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

  • 2007

    By this time, Paul Newman had helped establish the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, The Discovery Center, and Safe Water Network, among other organizations.

  • 2008

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

  • 2010

    Newman’s Own celebrated $300 million in charitable giving since 1982.

  • 2011

    The Newman’s Own product line grew to include frozen pizza, frozen skillet meals, and wine.

  • 2012

    The new 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

    Newman’s Own made a major commitment to support nutrition education and fresh food access.

  • 2013

    Newman’s Own committed $7 million over 3 years to support military personnel, veterans, and their families.

  • 2014

    The Foundation has formed a Nutrition Cohort, which consists of a group of 6 nonprofits, to work together and help address the challenges around nutrition.

  • 2015

    Newman’s Own Foundation reached $450 million in charitable giving since 1982.

  • 2017

    Newman’s celebrated 35 years of giving it all away.

  • 2018

    With the passage of the Philanthropic Enterprise Act, Newman’s Own was able to continue Paul Newman’s legacy to give it all away.

    • “Let’s give it all away”

    An Interactive Timeline 1980-Today