Office Depot Pledges $1 Million to Scripps Florida for Research on Children's Neurological Diseases

The Scripps Research Institute and Office Depot, Inc., have announced a philanthropic alliance in which Office Depot pledged $1 million to support the Childhood Neurological Disease Research Program at the research institute's new facility in Palm Beach County, Florida.

The announcement makes Office Depot Scripps Florida's first major corporate philanthropic partner.

Office Depot Chairman and CEO Bruce Nelson presented the $1 million gift to Scripps Research President Richard A. Lerner on April 30 at a special luncheon sponsored by the Boca Raton Roundtable and the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce.

"This generous contribution from Office Depot will support research that may lead to better health and an improved quality of life for millions of children and adults, many of them in developing countries around the world," Lerner said. "It reflects the concern and good corporate citizenship of Office Depot and promotes the mission of Scripps Florida and The Scripps Research Institute."

Nelson added, "We are delighted to support The Scripps Research Institute. It is a world-class research institution with an outstanding reputation and we are extremely fortunate to have Scripps establish a presence in Palm Beach County. The organization's world-renowned scientists and researchers have made a profound effect in the lives of so many around the world."

Office Depot's gift will create the Office Depot Program in Childhood Neurological Disease Research, funding biomedical research intended to find cures for children with neurological diseases such as epilepsy, mental retardation, and cystic fibrosis. Investigators Shelley Halpain and Steve Kay of the Childhood and Neglected Diseases at Scripps Research will be instrumental in launching the program. The gift will be made over a period of 10 years.

An industry leader, Office Depot (NYSE:ODP) has annual sales of nearly $12 billion. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, the company conducts business in 23 countries and employs nearly 50,000 people worldwide. According to Nelson, the company's philanthropic mission is "caring and making a difference."

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Office Depot Chairman and CEO Bruce Nelson (right) presents the $1 million gift to Scripps Research President Richard A. Lerner at a special luncheon at the Boca Raton Marriott.