DALLAS – The Mark Cuban Foundation has announced the formation of the Fallen Patriot Fund, established to help families of U.S. military personnel who were killed or seriously injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The Fallen Patriot Fund will be matched dollar for dollar from the general funds of the Mark Cuban Foundation, up to $1 million.

 “Now is a good time to take steps to support our troops,” said Mark Cuban, President and Chairman, HDNet and Owner, Dallas Mavericks. “I am very excited to be working with Bank of America to accept donations to the Fallen Patriot Fund to provide support to the spouses and children of our service people who have sacrificed themselves in service of our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In support of the Fallen Patriot Fund, I will be matching up to $1 million in total contributions to the fund.  I encourage everyone to support our fallen heroes and find their closest Bank of America banking center and truly show their support.”

 Bank of America will accept donations for the Fallen Patriot Fund at all Bank of America banking centers, including nearly 160 in the D/FW area.  In addition, The Bank of America Foundation also will match their associate’s donations dollar for dollar from gifts of $25 up to $5,000. 

 “This is a very difficult time for the families of all of our military,” said Doug Hutt, president, Bank of America Dallas.  “Bank of America is proud to work with Mark Cuban on this initiative by being able to offer a convenient way for people to make donations that will so greatly help these families during their time of need.”

 Financial resources are vital to enhancing the sustainability of the family unit who has suffered a loss because its loved one sacrificed him/herself for freedom.   Within that group, grant recipients will be selected in accordance with criteria established by The Mark Cuban Foundation.  All proceeds will be disbursed.  Grant applications are available at www.fallenpatriotfund.org.

 The Mark Cuban Foundation has an application pending with the IRS for recognition of its tax exemption as a charitable organization, contributions to which are tax deductible. The Foundation anticipates retroactive approval of its application. Please contact your tax advisor for further details on charitable contributions.

 For information on the Fallen Patriot Fund, please visit www.fallenpatriotfund.org write Fallen Patriot Fund, c/o Bank of America Private Bank, TX1-492-19-09, P.O.  Box 832409, Dallas, Texas, 75283-2409.

 One of the world's leading financial services companies, Bank of America is committed to making banking work for customers and clients like it never has before. Through innovative technologies and the ingenuity of its people, Bank of America provides individuals, small businesses and commercial, corporate and institutional clients across the United States and around the world new and better ways to manage their financial lives. The company enables customers to do their banking and investing whenever, wherever and however they choose through the nation's largest financial services network, including approximately 4,200 domestic offices and 13,000 ATMs, as well as 30 international offices serving clients in more than 150 countries, and an Internet Web site that provides online banking access to 4 million active users, more than any other bank.  

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Gillian Breidenbach (Bank of America) 214.209.3122
Gillian.M.Breidenbach@bankofamerica.com

Dawn Holgate (Mark Cuban), 214.658.7170 (office)
214.878.2867 (mobile)
dawn.holgate@dallasmavs.com