Verizon Wireless Joins With Chicago Bulls And Prevent Child Abuse America To Combat Cycle Of Violence In Illinois

SCHAUMBURG, IL — As part of its ongoing efforts to end violence in our communities, Verizon Wireless announced it has joined with the Chicago Bulls and Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) America to raise awareness throughout Chicagoland about the importance of preventing of child abuse.

In conjunction with PCA America's nationwide "Get with the Band" public awareness campaign, Verizon Wireless is running an advertisement featuring Chicago Bulls forward Tyson Chandler and children of Verizon Wireless employees. The ad promotes PCA America's blue signature wristbands, which symbolize that child abuse can and should be prevented, and that everyone can play a role. They can be purchased for $1 each at the PCA America web site at www.preventchildabuse.org, or by calling 800-688-1275 ext. 2. Proceeds benefit PCA America.

"We know that most child abuse and neglect stems from situations that are entirely preventable in an engaged and caring community," said Dr. Judith Rẻnyi, president and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. "Strong communities that work together to assure the health, well being and success of all children can reduce and even eliminate child abuse and neglect."

The Verizon Wireless ad campaign launches in conjunction with April's designation as Child Abuse Prevention Month. As well as the print ad with Chandler, Verizon Wireless also has produced separate radio and television ads that will run throughout the Chicago area in April.

"Our children are our country's most precious assets," says Chandler. "We should all be dedicated to protecting them and providing them with a safe and healthy environment. I truly believe that by 'getting with the band,' I am personally helping foster that environment."

To showcase the "Get with the Band" campaign, a special pre-game ceremony featuring Chandler and national PCA America spokesperson Grant Hill of the Orlando Magic will be held prior to the Bulls/Magic game scheduled for Friday, April 15, at the United Center. Verizon Wireless volunteers will be selling the wristbands throughout the Center before and during the game, which begins at 7:30 p.m. (CDT).

"Our relationship with PCA America is a natural extension of our own commitment to end domestic violence, and together we can address the problem at its source," said Tracy Nolan, president—Illinois/Wisconsin Region, Verizon Wireless. "We know that individuals who are abused as children are at risk for becoming abusive adults. By helping to prevent child abuse, we can help stop the cycle of violence where it begins."

Verizon Wireless has long been dedicated to winning the fight against domestic violence. Through its award-winning HopeLine^SM program, the company collects no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider. Most of the phones and equipment are refurbished and sold with proceeds going to support domestic violence awareness and prevention programs. Any remaining phones are recycled in an environmentally friendly way.

For more information about Verizon Wireless' community involvement, visit www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/aboutUs/communityservice/other.jsp.

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, N.J., 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 preview and request 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
Verizon Wireless works to prevent domestic violence and raise awareness of the issue through the company's HopeLine program. Marking its 10th anniversary in 2005, HopeLine today collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider, then refurbishes and sells or recycles them in an environmentally friendly way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program benefit victims of domestic violence, providing financial support and essential communication tools such wireless phones and wireless services, including voicemail and pre-paid wireless minutes. Donations are accepted at all 1,200-plus Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. For additional information, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About PCA America
Prevent Child Abuse America, a national organization headquartered in Chicago, works to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation's children. Working at the national, state and local levels, the organization is widely known for its public awareness efforts, research, advocacy and family support programs. For more information, visit www.preventchildabuse.org.  

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