Newport Beach, Calif. (December 17, 2013) — Hoag Hospital Foundation was presented with a $25,000 gift from Panera Bread to support the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag which provides comprehensive services for those with, or at risk for diabetes, regardless of their ability to pay.

Mary and Dick Allen, long time generous supporters of Hoag, accepted the check, along with Kris V. Iyer, M.D., F.A.C.P., Hoag Medical Group president and executive medical director of the Mary and Dick Allen Diabetes Center, Daniel A. Nadeau, M.D., program director of the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center and recipient of the Dr. Kris V. Iyer Endowed Chair in Diabetes Care, and Angie Salicrup, director of development, Hoag Hospital Foundation.

For the second year in a row, Panera Bread has partnered with Hoag to support the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center through its Community Breadbox™ program. 13 South Orange County Panera Bread locations participated, giving their guests and team members the opportunity to give cash donations in store as part of their ongoing effort to support local organizations and community members.

“We are very proud to share ‘Panera Warmth’ with members of our local community throughout the year, through a variety of programs,” said Brian Campbell, Marketing Director. "The partnership with Hoag Hospital Foundation is one that we value and are proud to support through guest and team member contributions in our Community Breadboxes."

"It is because of the compassion, generosity and support of community partners like Panera Bread that the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center is able to continue on its mission to make a positive difference in the lives of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes or at risk of diabetes," says Dr. Iyer.

Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, and the American Diabetes Association estimates that more than 79 million Americans are at increased risk for the disease. “I have always been impressed with the healthy and diabetes friendly menu at Panera Bread and this gift once again reflects a remarkable sensitivity for the needs of the community,” says Dr. Nadeau. The Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people with diabetes through its clinical, educational and support services.

Innovative and customized programs at the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center include “Sweet Success,” a program tailored for women who have diabetes while pregnant; pediatric diabetes services, a multicultural program and the Herbert Family Program for Young Adults with Type 1 diabetes. Additionally, the Allen Diabetes Center is committed to community outreach and programs that provide care to underserved populations. For more information on the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center, please visit www.hoag.org/diabetes.

About the Hoag Hospital Foundation

Thanks in large part to philanthropy, Hoag has become one of the nation’s finest healthcare systems and serves a diverse and growing population. Hoag Hospital Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hoag (a separate 501(c)(3) corporation), is an integral partner in Hoag’s vision to become a trusted and nationally recognized healthcare leader. Under the direction of a volunteer Board of Directors, the Foundation conducts campaigns and programs that generate more than $40 million per year in gifts and pledges. The Foundation is currently in the planning phase of a campaign with a working goal of $500 million by 2020. Please visitwww.hoaghospitalfoundation.org.

About Panera Bread

Panera Bread Company owns and franchises 1,673 bakery cafes as of March 26, 2013 under the Panera Bread®, Saint Louis Bread Co.®, and Paradise Bakery & Café® names. They feature high quality, reasonably priced food in a warm, inviting, and comfortable environment. With their identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh baked, artisan bread, they are committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Nearly all of their bakery-cafes have a menu highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, and select organic and all natural ingredients, with zero grams of artificial trans fat per serving, which provide flavorful, wholesome offerings. Their menu includes a wide variety of year round favorites complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the United States and in Ontario, Canada, Panera customers enjoy a warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free internet access. For years, Panera has donated unsold bread and baked goods to local Southern California hunger relief organizations through its Day-End Dough-Nation™ and Community Breadbox™ programs. Last year, Panera Bread bakery-cafes nationally donated a retail value of approximately $100 million worth of unsold bread and baked goods through its Day-End Dough-Nation™ program to help neighbors in need. Additional information is available atwww.panerabread.com.