Verizon Wireless Gives Starlight Children Free Tickets To *NSYNC Concert

IRVINE, CA — Seriously ill children and their loved ones in Southern California will enjoy an evening with popular music sensation ^*NSYNC on Monday, July 16 at Qualcomm Stadium, and Tuesday, July 24 at the Rose Bowl, thanks to Verizon Wireless, sponsor of the ^*NSYNC 2001 POPODYSSEY Tour. As a part of its ongoing community assistance commitment to Southern California residents, Verizon Wireless donated 36 concert tickets to Southland families served by Starlight Children's Foundation CA^* AZ^* NV chapter.

Starlight seeks to improve the quality of life for seriously ill children throughout the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. These tickets will enable young people who are participants of Starlight Children's Foundation "Kid's Activity Network," to enjoy one of the most popular music groups in the U.S., while spending time with family and friends.

"I've loved ^*NSYNC for as long as I can remember," said Alison Pruett, a 14 year-old Starlight participant from San Diego (photo available). "I'm so happy that Verizon Wireless and the Starlight Children's Foundation gave me tickets. I can't wait to go!"

Starlight's Kids Activity Network special events give families an opportunity to reconnect with each other, and for parents and children alike to meet others who are facing similar challenges.

"When faced with challenges of caring for a seriously ill child, families often do not get a chance to spend quality time with one another away from the stress of hospitalization," said Karineh Moradian, Director of Children's Services, Starlight Children's Foundation CA^* AZ^* NV chapter. "Through our Kids Activity Network event, we are able to serve these children and their families in different and fun settings. With the support of organizations like Verizon Wireless, Starlight Children's Foundation CA^* AZ^* NV, lifts the spirits of critically ill children and their families over 55,000 times each month."

"As a ^*NSYNC tour sponsor, Verizon Wireless received a limited number of concert tickets," said Verizon Wireless regional president Mike Finley. "We chose to provide the tickets to the Starlight Foundation because of the organization's outstanding ability to brighten the lives of countless seriously ill children and their families."

As the official wireless sponsor for ^* NSYNC's 2001 POPODYSSEY Tour, Verizon Wireless also gave 20 pairs (2) of tickets to the ^*NSYNC concerts at Qualcomm Stadium and the Rose Bowl to 10 lucky fans, who participated in Verizon Wireless' online "Follow the Tour" sweepstakes. Runner-up winners won an autographed copy of ^*NSYNC's latest CD "Celebrity" featuring the new hit single "Pop", available in stores July 24.

^*NSYNC's appearance at the Rose Bowl is just one stop on the group's 39-city, 46-concert tour that kicked off May 23 in Jacksonville, Fl. As a tour sponsor, Verizon Wireless has a visible presence at each concert. In-venue promotions include distinctive banners and Jumbotron messages. The Verizon Wireless booth offers fans the opportunity to have a free picture taken with a stand up display of the band. The digital photo will be sent electronically to those photographed so they can e-mail it to friends and family.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 28 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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