October 3 , 2005

Contact: Matthew J. Donofry, Marketing/Communications Coordinator, Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS)

AMERADA HESS Aids Diocesan High Schools

(L to R) Gregory Pasquale Ciminera, BLOCS Executive Director, and Joseph M. Callaghan, Senior Account Manager for Amerada Hess Corporation

Philadelphia, PA - Joseph M. Callaghan, Senior Account Manager for Amerada Hess Corporation (AHC), presented a check in the amount of $100,000.00 to BLOCS Executive Director Gregory Pasquale Ciminera and BLOCS Marketing and Communications Coordinator Matthew J. Donofry, on Wednesday, September 22, 2005. This award is made possible through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.

The EITC program allows companies to earn tax credits for their donation to a non-profit scholarship organization. Joe Callaghan said, "AHC is enthusiastic about BLOCS and the support it provides to students seeking a quality education.” This contribution will be awarded to the 22 Archdiocesan high schools in our five county region.

BLOCS looks forward to constructing a strong relationship with the Amerada Hess Corporation, one of the leading global independent energy companies in the world. There is a strong need for corporations to become involved with our schools, not only financially, but through after school programs and mentoring programs. Businesses of any size are encouraged to visit the BLOCS website (www.BLOCS.org) for more information on the program.

Building a Brighter Future . . . One Child at a Time

###