Verizon Wireless Receives Peaceleader Award from Illinois Center for Violence Prevention

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Verizon Wireless yesterday received the PeaceLeader 2001 award from the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention (ICVP) for the company's efforts to aid victims of domestic violence.

The annual award, which honors individuals and organizations that exemplify violence prevention leadership, was presented last night at a reception in Tinley Park, Ill. A national leader in the fight against domestic violence, Verizon Wireless was recognized in the Corporate Partner category for its commitment, leadership and collaborative efforts in:

• Disseminating information and workplace guidelines addressing domestic violence to Verizon Wireless employees,
• Providing wireless products and services to victims of domestic violence,
• Developing public awareness materials designed to educate corporations and the general public on domestic violence.

"The PeaceLeader awards are our way of honoring leaders who are working to end violence in innovative and effective ways," said ICVP Executive Director Debbie Bretag. "Corporations like Verizon Wireless inspire us all to work even harder to address the causes of all forms of violence in our society." Verizon Wireless this year alone has donated more than 3,000 wireless phones and more than $350,000 to domestic violence programs.

Recently, Verizon Wireless launched a comprehensive domestic violence awareness program with the City of Chicago's Mayor's Office on Domestic Violence. This program includes a major billboard campaign to promote the city's 24-hour domestic violence HelpLine, and the distribution of workplace education posters to more than 7,000 businesses throughout the city. By the end of the year, more than 8,000 businesses in Illinois will have received this poster.

"Overall, our commitment involves using our products, our people and our promotional materials to assist victims of domestic violence, and to address the issue, now and in the future," said Carolyn Schamberger, public relations manager for Verizon Wireless' Illinois/Wisconsin Region, in accepting the award. "It's a deep-rooted commitment that we intend to continue in the interest of having an impact and making a difference."

About the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention
The Illinois Center for Violence Prevention was established in 1992 to build the capacity of individuals, organizations, schools, communities and systems to prevent all forms of violence through advocacy, education, training, technical assistance, research and youth leadership development.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 28.7 million wireless voice and data customers. The coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD), including Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless and PrimeCo Personal Communications. Verizon Wireless has a footprint covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 97 of the top 100 U.S. markets. The company, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 40,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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