ATLANTA, April 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Earth Month, Cox Enterprises announced today a $5 million gift to the PATH Foundation from The James M. Cox, Jr. Foundation. The gift will be given in the form of $1 million annually over five years.

The Cox gift will support PATH's 2012 capital fundraising campaign, which seeks to raise $11.4 million to help build 34 miles of greenway trails in Georgia.

"Our goal is to make Atlanta the most trail connected city in the U.S.," said Ed McBrayer, PATH Foundation's executive director. "We're proud of our 20 year partnership with Jim Kennedy and entities associated with Cox. This gift from the James M. Cox, Jr. Foundation will provide significant resources to help build trails near Georgia 400, through downtown Atlanta into Centennial Park, and extensions to the Arabia Mountain/South River trails through Panola Mountain State Park."

Recently celebrating its 20th anniversary, PATH builds networks of off-road trails in and around Atlanta for walkers, runners, cyclists and skaters. This system of scenic greenways preserves the region's forested character and connects citizens with nature. Through the support of organizations like Cox, PATH has built 170 miles of trails.

"We all have to do our part in taking care of the environment," said Jim Kennedy, chairman of Cox Enterprises. "PATH is creating important greenways. In doing so, they are promoting healthy lifestyles, enhancing community spirit and bringing neighborhoods together. This important organization is creating sustainable change that benefits the environment and the community. PATH trails are also an important catalyst for new residential and business development in the communities they serve."

Cox Enterprises and its entities also focus on the environment through Cox Conserves, the company's national sustainability program. Cox Conserves' projects include: alternative energy and energy conservation; community engagement; eco-friendly fleet; waste management and water conservation.

About PATH Foundation:
The PATH Foundation is a nonprofit agency dedicated to building a greenway trail system throughout metro Atlanta suitable for commuting and recreating. A small, dedicated staff of four identifies funding, master plans, and oversees design, construction, and maintenance of Atlanta area trails. Founded and maintained as a low overhead organization, PATH spends over ninety percent of the donations it receives building trails.

About Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of nearly $15 billion and more than 50,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications, Inc. (cable television distribution, telephone, high-speed Internet access, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Manheim, Inc. (vehicle auctions, repair and certification services and web-based technology products); Cox Media Group, Inc. (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers, advertising sales rep firms, Valpak and Cox Digital Solutions); and AutoTrader.com (online automotive advertising and Kelley Blue Book, vAuto, HomeNet Automotive and Vin Solutions subsidiaries). Additionally, Cox operates Kudzu.com.

SOURCE The James M. Cox, Jr. Foundation