Westporter Paul Newman would have turned 100 earlier this year, on January 26th, 2025. There are many testaments to his enduring legacy in town: the Westport Farmers’ Market, which he helped found, the Westport Country Playhouse, which he supported in so many ways, and the Newman-Poses preserve, the preserved land in the Aspetuck Land Trust set aside in Paul’s honor. But perhaps the most visible piece of Paul’s legacy in Westport are the Newman’s Own head offices, located on Morningside Drive. It was there that, earlier this year, Paul Newman Generosity Day was born.
“Since 1982, Paul Newman and Newman's Own Foundation have given over 600 million dollars away to good causes,” David Best, president and CEO of Newman’s Own, Inc., said at the launch event for the holiday. Those funds have supported organizations like SeriousFun Children’s Network, which provides no-cost summer camps for children and their families facing serious illnesses. “We honor the remarkable spirit of generosity that [our founder] embraced [by] starting a new tradition, a day dedicated to inspiring acts of generosity.” The idea is simple: do something generous, then share it on social media (the hashtag is #PaulNewmanGenerosityDay). And then, challenge a friend to do an act of generosity as well, spreading the mission on to others. So while this year’s Generosity Day has passed, Paul would never have wanted giving to be confined to just one date on the calendar: the challenge element helps this initiative continue year-round, until the next Paul Newman Generosity Day. (Mark your calendars: January 26th every year!). “[This initiative is] a reminder that every one of us has the power to make a difference— big or small— in other people's lives,” said David.
The idea for Generosity Day sprung up when the Newman's Own team considered how to honor this landmark birthday, "Rather than an extravagant celebration, we wanted to honor his enduring legacy by creating a meaningful way to give back," David tells Westport Lifestyle.
When Paul Newman Generosity Day became official this winter, First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker declared it an annual holiday on behalf of the town. “There are so many ways [Paul Newman] and his family touched this community,” the First Selectwoman said. “We hope we are properly honoring him and his legacy today, and going forward.”
"Future goals include expanding participation globally, fostering year-round acts of kindness, and raising awareness for causes Paul Newman championed," David adds. "All while inspiring others to make generosity a daily practice."
To get involved, visit newmansown.com or @newmansown