The Bushnell Center For The Performing Arts To Accept No-Longer-Used Wireless Phones To Benefit Domestic Violence Victims In Connecticut

HARTFORD, CT — If you're looking for a way to do your part to help the environment, consider donating your no-longer-used cell phone to the new HopeLine^SM kiosk at the Bushnell in Hartford. It is an environmentally friendly way to recycle handsets, and the proceeds of the recycled phones help victims of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is a broad societal epidemic that affects family, friends, and co-workers. Understanding the impact domestic violence has, The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, in association with Verizon Wireless, has announced the installation of a HopeLine kiosk designed to accept no-longer-used wireless phones for donation to organizations that work with victims of domestic violence. The unveiling of the new program coincides with the opening night of Peter Pan at the Bushnell on Tuesday April 12.

Verizon Wireless' national HopeLine program focuses on putting wireless products and services to work to curb domestic violence, and assist victims in emergency situations. Phones collected at the Bushnell kiosk as well as through Verizon Wireless Communications stores across the country, are refurbished, recycled or sold for parts. Wireless phones of any brand or carrier, that are no longer in use, are accepted. Proceeds, in the form of working wireless phones or cash, benefit non-profit domestic violence prevention organizations.

"We were thrilled when Verizon Wireless asked us to install a HopeLine kiosk at the Bushnell," said Bushnell Executive Director David Fay. "It brings us great pride to be affiliated with such an important program that helps victims of domestic violence."

The kiosk will be located near the Box Office. Phones, batteries, and accessories can be dropped off during Box Office hours: Monday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. On event days, the box office remains open through the first 30 minutes of all performances, and through intermission during Broadway Series performances.

"We are very pleased The Bushnell is an additional location where people can donate no-longer-used wireless phones to help support victims of domestic violence and curb this widespread epidemic," said Bob Stott, president of the New England Region for Verizon Wireless. "Imagine what we can do to help victims if all of us were to donate a no longer used wireless phone to the HopeLine program."

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data 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 www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About HopeLine
2005 marks the 10 year anniversary of the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program, which puts wireless products and services to work to combat domestic violence. Today, HopeLine collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless carrier and refurbishes or recycles them with proceeds benefiting victims of domestic violence. The environmentally friendly HopeLine Program also provides victims with essential communication tools — wireless phones and wireless services, including voicemail and pre-paid wireless minutes. Donations are accepted at all 1, 900-plus Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. For additional information, customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  

About The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
The Bushnell is Connecticut's premier performing arts center, hosting more than 450 events yearly, including major Broadway tours, symphony orchestras, family presentations, local arts and community events. In November 2001, The Bushnell completed a $45 million expansion project that added a second, 907-seat theater to the existing historic structure. The new, state-of-the-art performance hall allows for expanded arts, entertainment and community offerings. The Bushnell's nationally-recognized arts-in-education program, PARTNERS (Partners in Arts and Education Revitalizing Schools), is a cross-community educational effort serving 27 schools in 10 districts throughout the Greater Hartford area. The Bushnell opened in January 1930 and is a non-profit organization. For more information, call The Bushnell at (860) 987-6000, The Bushnell Box Office at (860) 987-5900 or visit our website at www.bushnell.org.

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