GRANT BACKS GROUP WHOSE WORK HONORS HATE-CRIME VICTIM
(Reprinted from Verizon Employee Communications with permission)

Verizon is sponsoring the 2005 fundraising and outreach campaign for the Matthew Shepard Foundation, which defines its mission as enlightening others on the importance of diversity, understanding, compassion, acceptance and respect. The foundation was established by the parents of Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in 1998 when he was 21. The organization's outreach is particularly aimed at young people and includes a Web site, classroom programs, documentaries, and books. The $15,000 Verizon Foundation grant was recommended by Brian Price, president of Verizon GLOBE, an employee resource group. Price credited the Matthew Shepard Foundation with "combating the ignorance and violence that leads to hate crimes." Verizon's support was highlighted over the weekend during the "Bear to Make a Difference" fundraiser in Denver, in which celebrities dressed and autographed teddy bears that were auctioned off in a live event and on eBay.

For more information about the Matthew Shepard Foundation, see:
Verizon Sponsors "Bear to Make a Difference" 2004.