Allstate - You're in good hands

09/14/2004 NORTHBROOK, Ill. -

The Allstate Foundation will extend $200,000 from the $1 million fund established at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation to aid in the rebuilding and recovery of victims of the recent hurricanes. The Community Foundation of Central Florida has been chosen to distribute the funds.

Charitable donations from "The Allstate Foundation Disaster Recovery Fund at the Community Foundation Fund of Central Florida" will be disbursed to applicant grassroots 501©(3) nonprofit organizations that support programs to aid rebuilding and recovery efforts in Central Florida counties impacted by the recent hurricanes. "The Allstate Foundation Disaster Recovery Fund" will be directed by an advisory board made up of community funding organizations and the Community Foundation of Central Florida.

Donations from the fund are earmarked for a variety of hurricane relief needs in affected communities. Some specific needs may include emergency shelter, food and clothing, health issues (as a direct result of the hurricane), social services, mental health recovery efforts, community clean up, rebuilding and restoring community emergency services, and assistance with home re-construction resident permit processing.

"Speaking from experience, we recognize the difficulties communities face after a disaster, " said Phil Lawson, field vice president, Allstate Floridian Insurance Company. "Extending funds from the $1 Million Disaster Recovery Fund allows The Allstate Foundation to continue assisting the people of Florida prepare for a new tomorrow."

"There is a tremendous and immediate need to support our neighbors right here in our community," said Mark Brewer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Central Florida. "We applaud the initiative, steadfast commitment and passion of The Allstate Foundation to make a difference in Central Florida by supporting those impacted by the recent hurricanes through The Allstate Foundation Disaster Recovery Fund."

The Community Foundation of Central Florida provides a broad range of services for donors and philanthropists who wish to make long-term charitable investments in the community. For more information on starting a fund, call 407.872.3050 or visit the Community Foundation web site at www.cfcflorida.org.

About The Allstate Foundation
The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) - the parent of the Allstate group of companies. The Allstate Foundation sponsors community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities;" "tolerance, inclusion, and diversity;" and "economic empowerment." Insurance companies in the Allstate group help individuals in more than 16 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through more than 12,900 exclusive agencies and financial specialists in the U.S. and Canada.

Allstate Floridian Insurance Company and Allstate Floridian Indemnity Company are independent subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation and are the primary providers of personal lines property insurance in Florida for the Allstate group. Allstate Floridian Insurance Company and Allstate Floridian Indemnity Company sell homeowners, condominium owners, renters and mobile home insurance protection through nearly 900 agencies in the state of Florida. Property insurance policies sold by Allstate Floridian Insurance Company and Allstate Floridian Indemnity Company are not underwritten or reinsured by any other company in the Allstate group.

About The Community Foundation of Central Florida
www.cfcflorida.org
Established in 1994 to advance local philanthropy while responding to community needs and supporting charitable organizations, the Community Foundation of Central Florida holds over 275 individual and family funds, and serves the needs of charities and communities throughout the Central Florida region. By managing and investing donor funds, connecting donors with projects they feel passionate about and enabling donors to make informed decisions through research, the Community Foundation fulfills its mission of "Building Community by Building Philanthropy."

About Southwest Florida Community Foundation
www.floridacommunity.com
For more than 25 years, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation has been the leading resource in uniting donors' wishes with the changing human needs of our community through compassionate, flexible and perpetual giving. The SWFCF's growth has included the addition of two affiliate foundations in Bonita Springs and Sanibel-Captiva. More than 250 separate funds help support scholarships and vital community programs. Additional grants are made through three membership societies which provide the public with an opportunity to participate in the SWFCF for a nominal annual contribution. Last year, the SWFCF and its affiliates awarded more than $2.5 million to local charities and scholarship recipients.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Laura Margolis
Allstate Foundation
(847) 402-5600

Laura Richeson
Bennett & Company
(407) 478-4040