Lilly Contributes $11.1 Million to United Way Annua...( Lilly's gift makes up nearly 23% of ...)

Lilly's gift makes up nearly 23% of fund raising goal for Central Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) President and Chief Executive Officer John Lechleiter today presented an $11.1 million check to the United Way of Central Indiana for its and other United Way chapters' 2008 fundraising campaigns. The check represents the contributions of Lilly employees and retirees across the United States with a matching gift amount from the Lilly Foundation. Lilly's commitment represents nearly 23 percent of the United Way of Central Indiana's 2008 annual campaign goal.

"In the face of difficult and unprecedented economic conditions confronting all of us, Lilly exceeded its United Way fundraising goal by $100,000," said Lechleiter. "We're very proud of the dollar commitment we're making today. We're even more proud of the thousands of Lilly employees who support United Way agencies and services in their local communities through donations of their time and talents, as well as their financial resources."

In 2008, more than 450 Lilly employees served as tutors for United Way's ReadUP program, and more than 9,000 employees participated in the company's first-ever Global Day of Service, including 278 employees who supported projects benefiting United Way. Additionally, Lilly employees donated:

-- More than 21,000 school supplies to BackPack Attack

-- More than 1,600 bags of clothing to Goodwill Industries

-- More than 300 books

-- 500 blankets to the American Red Cross.

"Lilly's unwavering commitment to United Way of Central Indiana speaks to the dedication and passion of its employees," said Ellen Annala, president and chief executive officer of
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