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AT&T Supports American Red Cross Fostoria Chapter; Builds Stronger Communities Through $9 Million in National Grant Program


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AT&T Excelerator Grants Assist Organizations Serving Diverse Ethnic Groups, Low-Income Families, People With Disabilities, Youth and Seniors

Fostoria, Ohio, November 15, 2007

The AT&T Foundation — the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) — has announced that it has awarded $5,914 to support the American Red Cross Fostoria Chapter through the AT&T Excelerator competitive technology grant program.

Since 2002, the AT&T Excelerator program has provided more than 2,500 technology grants — totaling more than $47.8 million — to organizations across the country. In 2007, 680 nonprofit organizations across the country have benefited from nearly $9 million through the competitive program. This year, the AT&T Foundation expanded the Excelerator grant program for the first time to include AT&T Southeast’s nine-state service area.

Karen Strahm, chair of the American Red Cross Fostoria Chapter board of directors, said the grant will help the chapter increase its efforts to provide the community with emergency-preparedness information via classes and presentations, both in the chapter office and at local schools, businesses, churches and organizations.

“The information we are presenting is vital to all members of the community, and, with the addition of new technology — including a digital projector and electronic whiteboard — we will be able to offer quality presentations wherever the situation presents itself,” Strahm said. “We will also be able to use our chapter office to its full capabilities as a community resource for classes and referral.”

Because another chapter priority is to reach out to youth volunteers, it’s necessary to use the most current technology available to effectively communicate with that demographic. And, during disaster-response situations, the new technology will allow the chapter to offer immediate aid, comfort and information to clients and the community, as well as to assist in coordinating efforts among various agencies and organizations.

“This AT&T grant will be a tremendous asset to our Fostoria Chapter,” said Fostoria Mayor John Davoli. “This is much-needed equipment to help with the instruction portion of our Red Cross mission here in Fostoria. As mayor and a Red Cross board member, I see firsthand all the good works done by our local chapter, and this will greatly enhance our educational programs. Personally seeing the benefits of technology at organizations such as the Fostoria Red Cross demonstrates the increased need to properly fund and equip such efforts.”

The AT&T Excelerator program provides technology access to organizations working to strengthen underserved communities. Helping nonprofits integrate technology into their operations and community outreach, AT&T Excelerator grants also place technology tools in the hands of the underserved populations that the nonprofits work with in order to provide resources such as education programs, Internet access, computer training and job-skills development.

“For the past six years, the AT&T Excelerator program has demonstrated the importance of how technology can benefit communities and organizations,” said Connie Browning, president of AT&T Ohio. “The Fostoria Red Cross and other organizations throughout Ohio will continue to use technology funded by this program to empower the community and change the lives of the people whom they serve on a day-to-day basis. We commend Mayor Davoli for his dedication in assisting nonprofit organizations in the Toledo area and understanding the vital role that technology plays in their success.”

2007 AT&T Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations across the Toledo area and the U.S. improve their operations and build stronger communities through:

* Internet Access — networked, high speed access to the Internet and e-mail.
* Data Networking — network connectivity that enables easy sharing of database applications and information systems.
* Online Outreach — interactive, Web-based applications that support activities such as service delivery, volunteer recruiting and e-fundraising.
* Staff Technology Capacity — technology-training programs for nonprofit staff members.
* Pooled Technology Resources — programs that work to address the technology needs of multiple nonprofits.

In 2006, AT&T Inc. and the AT&T Foundation contributed more than $101 million to nonprofit organizations across the country. With its strong giving record, the AT&T Foundation ranks among the most generous corporate foundations in the United States.

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About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2006, AT&T contributed more than $101 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., combine more than $1.8 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world’s most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation’s leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at www.att.com.

© 2007 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.



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