Lilly to Present Record-Breaking $12.6 Million Gift to United Way

Lilly Foundation matches donations from employees, retirees to support children, families in communities across U.S.

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Nov 19, 2013, 08:00 ET

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today will present a record-breaking gift of $12.6 million to the United Way. As the largest United Way contribution in the company's history, the donation represents the giving of Lilly employees in the United States and Puerto Rico, retirees, and a matching gift from the Lilly Foundation.

Lilly Chairman, President, and CEO John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., will present the check to local United Way officials today at 11 a.m. at the Baxter YMCA, where the company also will recognize volunteers for their service and generosity. The funds will support the United Way of Central Indiana and other United Ways nationwide.

"The record-breaking check of $12.6 million represents the collective generosity of Lilly employees and retirees across the country," Lechleiter said about today's event. "Our United Way fund-raising campaign is a great opportunity to create positive change in our communities, and Lilly employees have continually raised the bar to support United Way in its mission to help people learn more, earn more, and lead safe and healthy lives."

The gift tops Lilly's 2012 United Way fund-raising total of $12.4 million. Lilly employees also volunteered more than 171,000 hours this year through initiatives such as the Lilly Global Day of Service, an annual day of community and charitable projects. Additionally, employees supported fund-raising efforts such as BackPack Attack and the Goodwill Clothing Drive by donating school supplies, clothing, and other necessities.

"It's not just about the money employees raise," Lechleiter added. "Equally important is the hands-on time employees give to United Way agencies nationwide. Every minute and every dollar leads to better outcomes for so many in our communities."

Outside the U.S., other Lilly affiliates also supported United Way through monetary donations or volunteer efforts. Lilly employees in Canada, for example, raised more than $90,000, and Lilly employees in Romania raised more than $30,000. Employees in Australia, Brazil, China, France, India, and Japan contributed volunteer services.

About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers – through medicines and information – for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com. C-LLY

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SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company