Verizon Wireless Honored by Tennessee Domestic Violence Organizations

NASHVILLE, TN — Verizon Wireless has received awards from the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (TCADSV) and the Williamson County Task Force Against Domestic Violence during special National Domestic Violence Awareness Month ceremonies during October.

"We are very touched by the recognition that we have received from both of these organizations," Paula Durham, Verizon Wireless associate director-retail for South Middle Tennessee said. "Domestic violence awareness and prevention are very important issues to Verizon Wireless, and we will continue to work with organizations such as these to raise awareness of this very serious problem in our community."

TCADSV honored the company with the Community Partner Award on Friday, Oct. 19, at its annual awards banquet, at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown. The ceremony recognizes those who work to end violence in the community.

The newly created award honors efforts by Verizon Wireless to improve safety and services for victims of domestic violence. Verizon Wireless' activities during the last year include: employees volunteering at local shelters; stores serving as drop-off points for shelter donations; and offering discounts to customers who make donations to domestic violence programs. Cash and items donated to shelters have totaled more than $5,000. In addition, Verizon Wireless donated free cellular service to several shelters in Middle Tennessee with an estimated annual value of $3,000 to each program.

"If we truly want to end domestic and sexual violence, the business community must get involved," said Kathy England Walsh, executive director of TCADSV.

"Verizon Wireless has demonstrated the kind of vision and commitment we need from the business community." The Williamson County Task Force Against Domestic Violence honored Verizon Wireless on Thursday, Oct. 4, in a candlelight vigil in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The vigil was held at the Franklin City Court House and focused on mourning those who lost their lives to domestic violence, while celebrating those who found the strength and courage to survive.

The company received the Supportive Business Award in recognition of support for area domestic violence organizations and the company's commitment to heighten domestic violence awareness. Jack Brundige, director of retail sales for Verizon Wireless, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

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.

####