A-Rod Bats It In for Clubs
Alex Rodriguez Brings Computers to Chicago Boys & Girls Club; Gift Made Possible by Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard

CHICAGO, July 15, 2003 – Texas Ranger Alex Rodriguez, the youngest Major Leaguer in history to hit 300 homeruns, presented 10 computers today to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago as part of his pledge to give Boys & Girls Club members across the nation greater access to technology.

Each time Rodriguez scores an RBI throughout the season, HP donates a state-of-the-art computer and Microsoft provides over $1,000 in software to the local Boys & Girls Club.

“HP is proud to be able to bring the latest HP computer technology to the deserving kids of Boys & Girls Clubs across the country and here in Chicago,” said Glenn Harks, Vice President, PSG Central Region, HP. “We are proud to help Alex Rodriguez as he does his part to support our nation’s youth.”

“The long-standing partnership between Microsoft and Boys & Girls Clubs of America is addressing the critical need for meaningful technology access for millions of young people,” said John Litten, Program Manager for Youth & Learning, Microsoft. “Through the Club Tech program, we have brought software, digital arts curriculum and technology skills training to help kids excel in school and the job market. By partnering with HP and Alex Rodriguez, we are able to bring these skills to even more kids.”

To date, Rodriguez has driven in 58 runs – translating into 58 HP computers and $58,000 worth of Microsoft software – and the season is just half over.

“The generosity of Alex Rodriguez, HP and Microsoft symbolizes their commitment to kids across the country,” said Kurt Aschermann, Chief Marketing and Development Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “This program is especially meaningful to our kids since Alex is a former Club member. He is a true role model to today’s youth.”

In addition to this program, Rodriguez currently serves as a Boys & Girls Clubs of America national spokesperson and appears in the current bilingual PSA campaign.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America comprises a national network of 3,300 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more than 3.6 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize educational achievement, career exploration, drug and alcohol avoidance, health and fitness, gang and violence prevention, cultural enrichment, leadership development and community service.