AT&T Contributes $100,000 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief to Support Arkansas Storm Relief and Care

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief to support storm relief efforts across Arkansas. The funds will be presented to the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas to help restoration and relief efforts that will benefit victims of the severe weather that affected numerous communities across the state. This contribution is part of a $500,000 commitment from AT&T in support of those affected by the storms across several southern states. The announcement was made today by Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and chief executive officer, at AT&T's Annual Meeting of Stockholders in Little Rock.

"Arkansans are accustomed to helping their neighbors when the need arises, and AT&T has a long history of being a good neighbor," said Ed Drilling, president of AT&T Arkansas. "Our thoughts are with the many families who are affected by the recent tornadoes and flooding, and we are pleased to support the American Red Cross as it responds to this crisis in our state."

The funds will be used by Red Cross disaster workers to provide food, shelter, emotional assistance and basic supplies to individuals and families affected by recent storms and tornadoes. "We are incredibly grateful for AT&T's generous donation and concern for the recovery of those affected by this series of devastating weather," said Candace A. Carey, American Red Cross Regional CEO. "We rely on the generosity of the public and our corporate partners such as AT&T to fund our mission of providing disaster relief."

Donations can be made to American Red Cross Disaster Relief at www.redcross.org or to the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas at www.arkansasredcross.org. These funds have been and will be used for disaster response efforts statewide. In addition to response in Arkansas, the American Red Cross is providing care to people across more than half the country as a record tornado season continues to devastate communities and floods cause serious effects in numerous areas of the country, including Arkansas.

The Arkansas chapter of the AT&T Pioneers, an employee and retiree group who volunteers in the communities in which they live and work, created a matching gift program to help assist with raising funds for storm relief.  The Chapter will match funds donated by fellow employees and Pioneers up to $5,000 and all funds will go to the American Red Cross.

Additional Restoration and Relief Assistance

AT&T has also responded to local needs in impacted communities through:

• bringing in portable generators from other states to keep cell sites up and running while power is being restored.
• enlisting additional support from AT&T employees, technicians and vendors from other states, including Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri, to help expedite relief efforts.
• donating wireless phones and service to support relief efforts of emergency responders in Vilonia, Arkansas.
• adding 200 rollover minutes for the next three billing cycles to Vilonia and Hot Springs Village area wireless customers.
• deploying a COW, cell on wheels, in Hot Springs Village to provide wireless coverage for the community and emergency responders.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About the American Red Cross

You can help people affected by disasters like the April tornado outbreak as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.  Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.  Contributions may also be sent to www.arkansasredcross.org, or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

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About Philanthropy at AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2010, more than $148.2 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.