Verizon Wireless Extends Support Of Make-A-Wish Foundation Of Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE, WI — Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless communications provider, has extended its association with the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Wisconsin with an agreement to sponsor a series of events through June 2003 to help make wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Through the agreement, Verizon Wireless will serve as the official wireless provider for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin, and will support the organization financially, as well as with in-kind wireless phones and service.

Tracy Nolan, regional president for Verizon Wireless, noted that while the company is enthusiastic about its sponsorship of several major community events, it is most pleased that its continued support will include granting the wishes of four Wisconsin children living with life- threatening illnesses. To date, the company has sponsored wishes for six children.

"This personalizes our community commitment. We are delighted to participate in a manner that directly benefits children and their families," Nolan said.

Verizon Wireless will serve as sponsors for:

• The Morgan Memorial Golf outings for the years 2002 and 2003. The 2002 event is scheduled for June 3 at the Mequon Country Club.
• The Make-A-Wish® Run & Walk to Fiesta for the years 2002 and 2003. The annual event is held in connection with Mexican Fiesta and attracts approximately 3,000 participants.
• Host Night 2003. The annual dinner attracts 600 business and community leaders from throughout the Milwaukee area and serves as the premier fundraising event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin.

"The number of children being referred to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin is at an all-time high," said Patti Gorsky, president of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. "With more wishes, the need for more resources grows. That's why we are so appreciative of Verizon Wireless' ongoing support, which enables us to extend and expand our services. Verizon Wireless truly is a champion of children."

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. It is the largest wish-granting organization in the world with 80 chapters in the United States and its territories and 22 international affiliates. For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation, call (262) 781-4445 or visit www.wish.org/Wisconsin.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 30 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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