Packers' Marco Rivera, Verizon Wireless Team up to Curb Domestic Violence

MILWAUKEE, WI — Green Bay Packers' guard Marco Rivera and his wife Michelle are teaming up with Verizon Wireless this fall to help stop domestic violence.

The Riveras are featured in a public service announcement (PSA) sponsored by the nation's largest wireless service provider to build awareness for and reduce instances of domestic violence throughout Wisconsin. Lambeau Field served as the backdrop for the 30-second PSA, which was directed and produced by Made Ya Look Studios in Green Bay.

The PSA stems from Verizon Wireless' ongoing commitment to support domestic violence prevention initiatives on a regional and national basis, as well as the company's position as the official wireless service provider of the Green Bay Packers. In the past year, the company has provided more than 250 emergency phones for domestic violence shelters and organizations throughout Wisconsin. Verizon Wireless has also provided the local business community with posters and related materials to build awareness in the workplace for ways to detect and prevent domestic violence.

"We feel that more people need to hear the message about combating domestic violence, and we believe this PSA is a great way to reach a broad audience," said Tracy Nolan, president of Verizon Wireless' Illinois/Wisconsin Region, when asked about the company's sponsorship of the public service announcement. "When professional athletes speak, fans listen. It's a broader audience than we reach with our corporate messages.

The Riveras were the ideal choice for doing the PSA because they are well established in the community, and they did a terrific job. We're glad they have joined Verizon Wireless in supporting this worthy cause and believe their message will make a difference," added Nolan.

The PSA opens with Marco Rivera stating that "football can be a hard-hitting sport � but there should never be violence in our homes." Marco adds that, "domestic violence ruins the lives of countless women, children and seniors. No one's life should be put at risk."

Michelle Rivera concludes the PSA with what may be the most important message: "If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is, get help now � call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE."

"We're honored that Verizon Wireless asked my wife and me to help with their campaign against domestic violence," said Marco Rivera. "It felt good to speak out on a message that really matters and help make people aware of a problem that is all too commonplace in this country."

The PSA will run on the Lambeau Field JumboTron during each remaining Packers' home games during the 2001-2002 season and will be distributed to television stations throughout Wisconsin for use on-air for the remainder of the National Football League 2001-2002 season.

The public service announcement is just one of the domestic violence awareness initiatives involving the Green Bay Packers that Verizon Wireless has embarked on as part of an overall campaign called "Protection is the Name of the Game." Throughout the regular season, Verizon Wireless is donating $25 to domestic violence agencies and prevention programs in Wisconsin for each point scored by the Packers. With the Packers' 4-2 start to the season, the company so far has donated $3775.

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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