Verizon Wireless Sponsors 2005 Martina McBride Celebrity Auction And Helps Country Music Fans Raise $115,000 For YWCA Of Middle Tennessee

NASHVILLE, TN — Various country music acts helped raise $115,000 at the twenty-second annual YWCA Celebrity Auction with Martina McBride sponsored by Verizon Wireless on Saturday, June 11. Country music fans gathered at the free auction in downtown Nashville near the Country Music Hall of Fame to support domestic violence victims and catch a glimpse of their favorite performers. The event is held each year in conjunction with the Country Music Association's CMA Music Festival.

Registration for the auction began early Saturday morning, with bidding occurring from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Fans also had the opportunity to purchase grab bags filled with posters, cds and promotional material for $10.

This year's line-up of celebrities included Keith Anderson, Miranda Lambert, Jo Dee Messina, Jay Teeter, Jimmy Wayne, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Naomi Judd. Stars auctioned items from Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Wynonna Judd, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson and others.

"The YWCA Celebrity Auction with Martina McBride provides services through the YW to Middle Tennessee women and their families who are victims of domestic violence," said Patricia Davis, vice president of development for the YWCA of Middle Tennessee. "The partnership between Martina and the YW has benefited various domestic violence programs offered at the YW, and we are pleased to have Verizon Wireless join us this year as title sponsor."

The "YWCA All-Star Celebrity Auction" started 22 years ago and Martina McBride became involved with the YW in 1995. Because of her dedication to the YWCA cause, the event continues to grow. In 22 years, the auction has raised over $660,000.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 45.5 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.  

About HopeLine®
Verizon Wireless, a recognized corporate leader in the fight against domestic violence, works to combat domestic violence and raise awareness of the issue through the company's HopeLine program. Marking its 10th year in 2005, HopeLine today collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider, and then refurbishes the phones or recycles them in an environmentally friendly way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program benefit victims of domestic violence and non-profit advocacy agencies, providing essential communication tools of wireless phones and wireless services, and financial grants. Phone donations are accepted at all 1,200-plus Verizon Wireless Stores across the country. For additional information, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

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