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AT&T Provides WOW Factor to Key West Tropical Forest and Garden Visitors

Posted on: Thursday, 10 April 2008, 12:00 CDT

MIAMI, April 10, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The AT&T Foundation -- the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. -- has announced a $25,000 award to the Key West Botanical Garden Society to develop the garden's Wonders of Wireless (WOW) proposal. The proposal outlines a cutting-edge technology project aimed to maximize visitors' outdoor learning experience through cellular tours of the Key West Tropical Forest and Garden.

"This project displays firsthand the creative applications of technology being developed by Florida organizations for the enjoyment of Floridians and guests," said Marshall Criser III, president of AT&T Florida. "We are proud of our long history of identifying and supporting technology that enhances visitors' daily experiences."

To make WOW a reality, the grant provides for the installation of wireless service throughout the 15-acre site. Visitors will simply call a toll-free number to choose from five different tours of the tropical forest. The paperless tours will not only provide visitors with instant information, but they also keep the museum of living collections "green."

The Key West Tropical Forest and Garden is one of a kind in the United States, boasting more than 6,000 plants and trees, 35 species of butterflies and 270-plus species of migratory birds in a natural outdoor setting. For the past seven years, the Botanical Garden Society has been restoring the museum of living collections to provide guests with a pleasing visit. AT&T's grant allows the society to enhance each visitor's experience of the unique tropical habitat, which includes rare aquifer ponds, hardwood hammock forests, butterfly and coastal gardens and more than two miles of boardwalk trails.

"We are grateful for AT&T's gift that will keep on giving," remarked Carolann Sharkey, chairwoman of the Botanical Garden Society and full-time volunteer. "WOW will bring our vision of public education for environmental appreciation to a wonderful new level. The program's new technology entices youth to have fun learning and experiencing nature."

WOW will break ground this spring and be ready for the public by December 2008. The grant to the Key West Botanical Garden Society was provided under a $1.5 million competitive grant program. AT&T provided grants to 70 qualifying nonprofit organizations across the country to help integrate wireless communications technology into educational outreach projects.

The one-time, education-focused, wireless technology grants range from $2,500 to $25,000 for wireless applications and hardware. They were awarded to organizations for projects designed to enhance the delivery of educational tools and services through wireless technology in settings that engage youth and adults in lifelong learning. Each project was required to have a particular focus on targeting underserved populations, including racial and ethnic groups, low-income populations, seniors, youth and/or people with disabilities

Note: This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss.

About Philanthropy at AT&T

AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2007, AT&T contributed more than $164 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T, combine more than $1.9 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.

(C) 2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Note: This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Don Sadler of AT&T Inc., Office, +1-305-347-5320, Mobile,+1-305-965-7680, don.sadler@att.com

Web site: http://www.att.com/

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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