BASF jambalaya lunch raises funds for American Heart Association

GEISMAR, La., March 28, 2006 -- Nearly 500 employees at BASF’s Geismar site enjoyed jambalaya earlier this month while raising more than $1,500 for heart disease research at the company’s annual charity lunch, which benefits the American Heart Association (AHA).

Together with an AHA golf tournament in April that is also organized by BASF employees, the company raises thousands of dollars every year for the not-for-profit organization.

“We can always count on BASF to come through for us,” said Paula Dawson, Heart Walk Director for the AHA. “These contributions help us fund critical heart research and public outreach activities.”

BASF employee volunteers, including Monica Tureau, Kathy Jones, Deana Stephens, John Chaney, Janie Balderas and Suzanne Berthelot served the meal at the company’s picnic grounds.

“Every year our employees turn out at the luncheon to raise money for heart disease research,” said Tureau, a BASF Administrative Associate and coordinator for this year’s luncheon. “Of course, the jambalaya is a big motivator. The cooks do a great job and the food is always wonderful.”

Danny Robert, a BASF instrument technician, and Carlos Braud, a contract welder with Turner Company and past winner of the World Champion Jambalaya Cooking Contest held each year at the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival, prepared the meals. “I do a lot of cooking throughout the year, but this is one of my favorite events,” Robert said. “I enjoy being able to cook for my co-workers while at the same time helping out a good cause.”

BASF's Geismar site manufactures a wide range of products that are used in hundreds of consumer products.

For more information, contact:
Helen Cane
BASF
Tel: (225) 339-7207
E-mail: caneh@basf.com

Maureen Paukert
BASF
Tel: (973) 245-6077
E-mail: paukerm@basf.com