September 18, 2001

The Turner Sports teams--the Atlanta Hawks, Braves and Thrashers--have combined relief efforts to aid victims of our country's tragedy, it was announced on September 17 by Stan Kasten, president of the sports teams. The announcement, made prior to the September 17 Thrashers preseason game at Philips Arena, includes relief support in these forms:

1) Monetary contributions of approximately $250,000 in total from each of the three sports teams, management and staff, and their charitable foundations.

2) Recognizing the tragedy at the September 17 Thrashers game, and upcoming Braves and Hawks games, and opportunities for fans to participate in the relief efforts at games at Philips Arena and Turner Field.

3) The formation of a special Open House event at Philips Arena on Sept. 29 to benefit the efforts of the American Red Cross and Salvation Army and other charities.

4) Plans for upcoming player and NHL, MLB and NBA relief support.

5) A summary of parent company AOL Time Warner's extensive relief initiatives.

Prior to the September 17 Thrashers game, each fan in attendance received an American flag upon entrance into the facility (flags also will be given out at Turner Field when the Braves return home on Sept. 28). At the three remaining Thrashers preseason home games, American Red Cross volunteers will be stationed throughout Philips Arena in order to accept monetary donations and schedule blood donations for fans interested in participating in the relief efforts. Some of the Thrashers players will be placed at the tables to provide fans with autographs prior to game time. The Braves and Hawks plan on similar donation initiatives at their respective home games with specific information to be released at a later date.

The sports teams and Philips Arena also provide Internet users of each respective web site with information on how to provide support to the American Red Cross and a hotlink to the organization. Before the start of Monday's Thrashers game, the organization provided fans the opportunity to pause and remember last week's tragedy with a moment of silence and the singing of "God Bless America" following the normally scheduled singing of "The National Anthem." The Braves plan on the singing of "God Bless America" at the team's next home game on Sept. 28 as well.

Additionally, the Thrashers, Hawks and Philips Arena have created a special event on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m, to directly benefit the relief efforts of the American Red Cross and Salvation Army as well as additional charities supporting the relief efforts for the victims of the tragedy. The fan-interactive event will feature player appearances, mascots and fan development staffs from both teams. It is free of charge and monetary donations as well as canned food items and bottled water will be accepted for the charities, along with blood donation scheduling on-site for the Red Cross. All three sports teams also plan to give to the relief efforts with monetary donations that will be announced in conjunction with the respective leagues (National Hockey League, Major League Baseball and National Basketball Association). Each of the three pro sports leagues also will announce additional ways to recognize the tragedy with specific details to be announced.

Also, parent company AOL Time Warner has made a $5 million donation that will be distributed among six relief organizations: American Red Cross, September 11th Fund, International Association of Fire Fighters, New York Fraternal Order of Police WTC Fund, The National Organization for Victim Assistance, and the Twin Towers Fund. Beginning tomorrow, Sept. 18, a company-wide fund for employee contributions will be opened for the same six designated organizations, matching dollar for dollar, up to $1,000 per AOL Time Warner employee.