AT&T Awards $58,500 To Andy Roddick Foundation

Recognizing the vital role that the Andy Roddick Foundation plays in benefiting children’s charities in the Austin community, the AT&T Foundation today announced a grant of $58,500 to the organization.

All proceeds donated through the Andy Roddick Foundation benefit local children in need, including The Settlement Home, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and A Glimmer of Hope.

The grant will serve to underwrite the first annual “Champions for Charity” fundraising event April 26. Tennis superstar Andy Roddick will host the evening’s festivities that include a reception, an intimate dinner and live auction at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin. AT&T is the presenting sponsor of the exclusive event, which will feature celebrity guests and a solo performance by Sir Elton John behind his signature red piano.

Through the Andy Roddick Foundation, Roddick and his family are dedicated to all- volunteer, community-based organizations that emphasize children’s health and literacy. The 2003 U.S. Open Champion has been deeply involved in charitable activities and has raised more than $1.3 million in just four years for sick, abused and neglected children. Since moving from Florida to Texas in 2003, Roddick has made a significant impact on the city of Austin in a short time.

“Giving back to the community is critical, and Austin and the state of Texas have welcomed Andy and the Andy Roddick Foundation with open arms,” said Blanche Roddick, Chairman of the Andy Roddick Foundation. “The generosity of the AT&T Foundation demonstrates the corporate commitment that is essential to meet our goals in 2005 and beyond.”

“The Andy Roddick Foundation helps to provide education, shelter, research and rehabilitation to sick, abused and neglected children in Austin toultimately help them to lead successful lives,” said Tom Pelto, AT&T Regional Vice President-Law and Government Affairs. “We hope this grant helps the organization extend the reach of its program efforts so that the children can reach their dreams.”

The “Champions for Charity” event will benefit local children in need through three Austin non-profit organizations. The Settlement Home’s mission is to care for and promote the healing of troubled children and their families through resolving their emotional, behavioral, and familial problems and providing quality residential care. The Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas is scheduled to open in spring 2007, and this new state-of-the-art facility will serve all of the sick and injured children in the 46-county Central Texas region. A Glimmer of Hope makes a significant and sustainable difference in the lives of socially excluded and at-risk youth in Austin through projects and after-school programs that build self-esteem, enhance education, offer positive choices and develop life skills.