VAL-PAK AND AT&T WORLDNET PARTNER FOR JERRY'S KIDS
TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 3, 1998 -- For the third consecutive year, Val-Pak Direct Marketing Systems Inc., the nation's leader in local cooperative direct marketing, will be a national sponsor of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Sept. 6-7. To expand support for the voluntary health agency fighting 40 neuromuscular diseases through research, clinical care and health education, Val-Pak is teaming up with AT&T, another MDA national sponsor.
Through AT&T WorldNet Service, AT&T provides Internet access and personalized content through Excite Online. AT&T also hosts MDA's Web site (www.mda.org), which, using AT&T SecureBuy Service, enables Internet users to make secure credit card contributions to advance MDA's lifesaving mission.
The special Telethon promotion offers Excite Online powered by AT&T WorldNet Service for $14.95* and will be advertised in Val-Pak promotional envelopes reaching some 37 million homes prior to Labor Day weekend. AT&T WorldNet Service will contribute the first $25 from every new subscription response generated from the Val-Pak insert to MDA.
"'My kids' are so lucky to have dedicated national sponsors like Val-Pak and AT&T WorldNet Service involved year-round," said Jerry Lewis, MDA national chairman. "Each company has made important contributions to help the more than a million Americans affected by neuromuscular disorders, and now they're working together to accelerate the search for treatments and cures."
"We are delighted that AT&T WorldNet Service is joining us in our third year of Telethon sponsorship," said Joseph H. Bourdow, Val-Pak president and MDA vice president. "Corporate support is more than doubled through this cross promotion which both increases Telethon viewership and generates donations."
"Speed is critical to our business and to the fight against muscle-wasting diseases," said Dean Colantino, director of AT&T WorldNet Marketing. "We're delighted that AT&T can expand its support of MDA. Our partnership with Val-Pak is a winning combination for 'Jerry's kids' and everyone interested in using the information superhighway."
Val-Pak furnishes additional support to the effort to fight neuromuscular disease by encouraging involvement at the local level among its franchise dealers across the United States.
A large, Florida-based subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc. of Atlanta, Val-Pak is in its 30th year. Its familiar blue cooperative envelope is mailed up to 12 times annually, delivering over 11 billion coupons to 50 million unduplicated households across North America.
AT&T WorldNet Service is the largest direct Internet service provider in the United States, serving more than 1.2 million subscribers. The consumer service offers each subscriber hourly and flat-rate pricing, a free 5-megabyte personal Web page, and has received awards for both its customer care and high reliability. AT&T WorldNet Service provides subscribers with the option of consolidating their Internet access, AT&T Long Distance and AT&T Wireless charges, where available, on a single bill. Separately, AT&T WorldNet Service enables its subscribers to electronically register for AT&T Long Distance service at a low 9-cent-a-minute rate, payable with a credit card.
MDA was the first voluntary health agency honored by the American Medical Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award "for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity." Consistently recognized for its efficiency, MDA annually funds more than 400 research teams seeking treatments and cures for muscle-wasting diseases, and maintains more than 230 hospital-affiliated clinics that offer myriad services to families affected by these progressive conditions.
* Standard Plan includes 150 hours of Internet access at $5 per month less than the current AT&T WorldNet Standard Price Plan (currently $19.95) for 12 months for AT&T Residential Long Distance customers or six months for non-AT&T Long Distance customers. (99 cents each additional hour.) Telephone and access and other charges and taxes may apply. Other terms and conditions apply.
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