Press Releases

Charlotte, NC., April 27, 2004 -- Bankers Life and Casualty Company's Charlotte branch office presented a check for $8,000 yesterday to the Alzheimer's Association - Western Carolina Chapter. The funds were raised through Bankers' Seeds of Hope Golf Tournament and fundraising effort.

The Charlotte office of the national insurer has dedicated itself to raising contributions to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. In addition to the golf tournament held April 26 at Firethorne Country Club, Waxhaw, the company is conducting a fundraising effort through direct mail to its policyholders and seeking contributions from the public to support the work of the Western Carolina Chapter.

Bankers Branch Sales Manager Bill Baylog, who conceived the idea for the fundraiser, said that 100% of every contribution received from the public and through the direct mail solicitation will go directly to the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

"The strides that have been made in recent years are very encouraging," said Baylog. "Research has provided nearly everything we know about the disease in the past 15 years."

"Besides supporting research, the Alzheimer's Association gives people living with the disease real hope. It provides friendship, advocacy, support, and public education," he added. "Bankers will do everything it can to help that continue."

Bob Dunlap, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association of Western Carolina, said, "We're very hopeful that we can win the fight against this disease. That's why the support of community-conscious companies like Bankers is so vital."

"The progress has been great. Improvements in treatment are on the horizon, and it's the funding that will make that possible," he said. "Until then, we are ready to provide a multitude of services for those who live with the disease and those who care for them."

Contributions may be made by check or money order payable to Seeds of Hope Golf Tournament and mailed to Seeds of Hope, Bankers Life and Casualty Company, 11301 Carmel Commons Boulevard, Suite 103, Charlotte, NC 28226.

Bankers Life and Casualty Company is a leading provider of financial security and retirement savings products to senior Americans. The company's partnership with the Alzheimer's Association includes premier sponsorship of the annual Rita Hayworth Gala in Chicago and the national fundraising effort Forget Me Not Days which raises funds in cities across the United States, including Charlotte, through street corner collecting by Bankers employees, agents and volunteers.

Bankers encourages those suffering from Alzheimer's or caring for someone who has the disease to call the Western Carolina Chapter at 800-888-6671 for more information on how the Alzheimer's Association can help.

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