Founded by executives from the goods and services sector, the primary function of SESC – Serviço Social do Comércio (Social Service from the Commerce Sector) is to foster education, culture, leisure, health, and citizenship. This non-profit organization promotes social well being and better living conditions for its associates, as well as for the general population. In 2002, approximately 3.6 million people from all over Brazil have benefitted from SESC’s social action.