Lilly Pledges $100,000 to American Red Cross' Tornado Disaster Relief Efforts

INDIANAPOLIS, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) Foundation today pledged $100,000 to the American Red Cross for its tornado disaster relief efforts. The donation will support families and communities affected by devastating tornadoes that wreaked havoc and took lives across Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, and Georgia on March 2, 2012.

"Our hearts go out to those affected by these tornadoes, including those in our home state of Indiana. We've been moved by the acts of kindness by people who have sought to help those in need. Today, we join the ranks of many others in answering the call to help,"  said Robert L. Smith, president of the Lilly Foundation. "Our donation will support the American Red Cross as it helps people get back on their feet—and assist with its overall disaster relief fund, which had great demands placed upon it, dating back to last year's devastating tornadoes in Missouri and Alabama."

In addition, through its matching gifts program, the Lilly Foundation will provide a 1:1 match of employee donations to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.  The Foundation is encouraging U.S. Lilly employees who want to donate to tornado relief efforts to do so through one of these organizations, thereby doubling the impact of their giving.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers – through medicines and information – for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

CR-LLY

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20031219/LLYLOGO )

SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company