Partnership gives New Orleans youngsters chance to attend first and second round games of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament on March 16 and 18

The donation will help Big Brothers/Big Sisters in its mission to establish positive relationships between children and adult volunteers who serve as friends and role models.  More than 50 youngsters, also known as “Littles” by the organization, will be able to attend the games with their mentors, or “Bigs.”  These first and second-round games are being held at the New Orleans Arena on March 16 and 18.  

“We’re proud to be supporting Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeast Louisiana and reinforcing the importance of positive relationships among young people,” said David Moore, assistant vice president of The Hartford’s Property and Casualty Marketing operations.  “Spending quality time watching a basketball game with a mentor is fun and creates a backdrop for a stronger relationship between a Big and Little.”      

“I can't imagine a more exciting event than an NCAA men’s basketball game for Bigs and Littles to enjoy their time together,” said Dolores Medina-Whitfield, CEO and executive director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeast Louisiana.  “Because of this generous donation, over 50 matches of big and little brothers and sisters will be able to attend the games. We are extremely grateful to The Hartford, the NCAA and Bob Cousy for this heartwarming ticket donation.”

The Hartford became an official corporate partner of the NCAA in 2004, and today continues this successful relationship with a wide range of advertising, marketing, promotional and licensing efforts that support its commitment to education, as well as its business partners and customers.

In 2006, The Hartford also teamed up with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to promote the prestigious Bob Cousy Award, an honor established in 2004 and presented annually to the nation’s top point guard in men’s college basketball.  It is given to players who exemplify superior skills on the court as well as intangible factors, such as leadership, vision and selflessness.  Three of the finalists for the 2007 Cousy Award – Taurean Green of Florida, Ramon Sessions of Nevada and Mustafa Shakur of Arizona – will be playing in New Orleans this weekend.

Mr. Cousy is an avid supporter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and praises the work this national organization does to foster positive values in young people across the country.

“The Big Brother/Big Sister experience can have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people,” said Cousy. “I commend The Hartford for encouraging Bigs and Littles to spend time watching a sport I fell in love with the first moment I picked up a basketball - and which ultimately changed my life.”

About Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeast Louisiana   

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeast Louisiana, a prevention-based program, exists primarily to facilitate one-to-one relationships between children and qualified volunteers.  As part of the largest mentoring organization serving children, families and communities, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeast Louisiana has a vision to develop the resources, environment and mechanisms to provide caring volunteers in the life of every child in need.

About the NCAA            

The NCAA is a membership-led nonprofit association of colleges and universities committed to supporting academic and athletic opportunities for more than 380,000 student-athletes at more than 1,000 member colleges and universities. Each year, more than 54,000 student-athletes compete in NCAA championships in Divisions I, II and III sports. Visit www.ncaa.org and www.ncaasports.com for more details about the Association, its goals and members and corporate partnerships that help support programs for student-athletes. The NCAA is proud to have the following elite companies as official Corporate Champions—Cingular, Coca-Cola and Pontiac—and the following elite companies as official Corporate Partners—DiGiorno, Enterprise, The Hartford, Lowe’s and State Farm.

About The Hartford    

The Hartford, a Fortune 100 company, is one of the nation's largest financial services and insurance companies, with 2006 revenues of $26.5 billion. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products; and business property and casualty insurance. International operations are located in Japan, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The Hartford's Internet address is www.thehartford.com.

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