$50,000 grant to aid disaster relief for Joplin tornado victims

Nationwide's total support for southern storm relief reaches $500,000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2011

Contacts:
Mike Switzer at (614) 249-4092
switzem1@nationwide.com

Joplin, MO — To assist victims of the tornado that swept through Joplin, Missouri last month, the Nationwide Insurance Foundation announced today an additional $50,000 donation to support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

“The rebuilding process continues for the people of Joplin,” said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Insurance Foundation. “And while Nationwide and Allied Insurance claims representatives continue to assist our customers, we are proud to support the Red Cross as they help the affected communities rebuild.”

To date, Nationwide has announced grants totaling half a million dollars to aid victims of tornadoes in North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Missouri. In early 2011, the Nationwide Insurance Foundation Trustees approved a grant for $1,050,000 to the American Red Cross, with $700,000 going to the National Disaster Relief Fund and $350,000 going to 18 chapters across the country. The grant announced today brings the company’s total support for Red Cross disaster relief to $1,550,000 in 2011.

Nationwide Insurance and Allied Insurance claims representatives continue to work with customers affected by the storm. Customers who need to file a claim should contact their local agent or call the Nationwide claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535.

The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund will help meet immediate needs of victims of the recent tornadoes, providing food, shelter, emotional support, clean up kits and other assistance for families and communities as they begin to rebuild their lives. People interested in donating to the Red Cross may donate online at www.redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 mobile donation.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

About the Nationwide Insurance Foundation
The Nationwide Insurance Foundation is an independent corporation funded by contributions from Nationwide companies including Nationwide Insurance and Allied Insurance. Founded in 1959, the Nationwide Insurance Foundation has committed more than $270 million since 2000 to help nonprofit organizations in communities where Nationwide associates and their families live and work. Just as Nationwide supports its customers in their moment of need, the company’s involvement in its home communities is focused on supporting organizations that help people facing critical or immediate need. Visit www.nationwide.com for more information.

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