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State Farm® and Habitat for Humanity International®: Rebuilding the Bayou

Bloomington, Ill. -- November 18, 2005 --In the midst of Hurricane Katrina recovery, State Farm brings additional relief by uniting the students of Bayou Classic rivals, Grambling State University and Southern University, for Rebuilding the Bayou this Thanksgiving weekend in Houston, Texas. Rebuilding the Bayou, a community-based initiative dedicated to providing homes for New Orleans' displaced residents is in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, which is engaged with helping rebuild homes in the hurricane-affected Gulf Coast states.

Typically, during this time of year, enthusiastic alumni and current students from legendary Bayou Classic rivals, Grambling State University (GSU) and Southern University (SU), would be preparing to battle it out at the New Orleans Superdome in the form of a Greek Step Show, Battle of the Bands and football game. This year, GSU and SU are coming together in the spirit of Rebuilding the Bayou. SU and GSU student volunteers and local chapters of Black Greek Organizations will work jointly to build two homes on the day of the Bayou Classic football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

“The State Farm Bayou Classic is more than just a gridiron showdown, it’s been a huge civic event for over 30 years,” said Mark Gibson, Assistant Vice President of Advertising for State Farm Insurance. “Despite the unprecedented challenges faced this year, the Bayou Classic not only showcases great college football, it also provides a rallying point for folks across the country to help support and rebuild the Gulf Coast area.”

In addition to working with SU and GSU, State Farm is partnering with the international housing nonprofit organization, Habitat for Humanity ®. “Rebuilding New Orleans and other communities along the Gulf Coast involves support from all levels,” says Chris Clarke, Senior Vice President of Communications for Habitat International. “We have dedicated volunteers who are committing their time and energy to help those most affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and we have an organization like State Farm that is helping us to make this happen. It’s a natural collaboration to rebuild with communities in need, which is a mission of both Habitat for Humanity and State Farm.”

As the title sponsor of the Bayou Classic since 1996, State Farm has forged a meaningful connection with the Classic and the city of New Orleans. Due to the overwhelming impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans, the Superdome was no longer a feasible location for the Classic festivities. Houston was the ideal alternative for this year’s Bayou Classic as the city has done so much for New Orleans and Louisiana residents in the days and weeks following Katrina. In the meantime, Bayou Classic officials are hopeful the anticipated event which attracts over 72,000 fans annually.

About the State Farm Bayou Classic

The State Farm Bayou Classic is more than just a football game; with its colorful and glorified history, the State Farm Bayou Classic is a unique family fellowship that exists within a football game. The State Farm Bayou Classic has become the greatest and most distinguishable sporting event in all of Black America. It will be another terrific game this year as Southern University Jaguars and Grambling State University Tigers football teams line up on the field at Reliant Stadium in Houston to battle it out!

The gridiron match-up between Grambling State University and Southern University, two great Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) rivals, represents the best that collegiate sports have to offer: teamwork, tradition, passion, and fierce competition. Weekend activities kick off with the Coaches Luncheon, State Farm Neighborhood of Knowledge, and the Super Job Fair. The weekend guests also should see the McDonald’s® Battle of the Bands & Greek Step Show at 8 p.m., Nov. 25. The Bayou Classic Football Game is televised live on NBC Sports Nov. 26 with kick-off time at 1 p.m. CST.

About State Farm Insurance

State Farm® insures more cars than any other insurer in North America and is the leading U.S. home insurer. State Farm's 17,000 agents and 69,000 employees serve nearly 73 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada. State Farm also offers financial services products through State Farm Bank®. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No.19 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus , Ga. , is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for one million people.



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