FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2002
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FOUNDATION COMMITS $25,000 TO BUILD RAVAGED PLAYGROUND EVEN BIGGER AT LOUISE WOLFF KAHN ELEMENTARY
Congressman Frost Voices His Support at Rebuilding Ceremony

DALLAS, TX – The Freddie Mac Foundation awarded $25,000 to the Louise Wolff Kahn Elementary Parent Teacher Association to build the second phase of the school's playground. Vandals destroyed the brand new playground shortly after the New Year, just prior to its dedication. The grant was presented during a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Congressman Martin Frost, other local leaders, parents and students.

"Play is the work of children. The work they do in these early years is critical to children's emotional and physical growth, and having a high quality, safe playground is part of this experience," explained Maxine B. Baker, president and CEO, Freddie Mac Foundation. "A playground is a part of the fabric of a strong community. That's why we're pleased to be partnering with this Dallas community to help build a stronger neighborhood for its families."

"The destruction of the Kahn School playground was a terrible event, but I am hopeful that something even greater can be built for these children to enjoy. I want to thank the Freddie Mac Foundation and local Freddie Mac employees for taking the lead and working to reverse this tragedy so these kids and this community can have a good, clean place for fun," said Congressman Martin Frost who attended the event.

Freddie Mac's employees were moved to action when they first heard the story and encouraged the Freddie Mac Foundation to help. The grant was a natural fit since the Foundation's giving is concentrated in the Washington, DC region and cities where Freddie Mac has regional offices, including Dallas, and its mission is focused on helping children. In the days following the vandalism, enough funds were collected to cover the initial rebuilding costs, so the Foundation committed to building the playground's next phase. The second phase will include a dragon slide, balance beam, interactive panels, climbers, and bongo steps. Freddie Mac employees have also volunteered to help construct the playground, which will serve the school's youngest children. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year.

"This awful incident has helped galvanize our community to rebuild this playground which had been a long-time dream. Now with the Freddie Mac Foundation's help, we are realizing the rest of our dream-to have an expansive, cutting-edge playground where our children can grow, play, and learn," explained Kahn PTA President Javier Gutierrez.

Kahn School Principal Rodney Cooksy observed: "The children are elated. They can't wait to play on this new, improved playground. It was a rude awakening for our children about how cruel people can be. But it's also been a wonderful lesson about how many people and organizations-like Freddie Mac-do care."

The Foundation formally expanded its giving program to Dallas two years ago. With this grant, the Foundation's commitment to the Dallas community has topped $1 million. Other recent Foundation grants are supporting Wednesday's Child, the televised adoption program on WFAA; Dallas CASA, the adoption service that provides guidance and support to foster youth; Dan F. Long Middle School, to support an after-school program; and Prevent Child Abuse Texas, in support of its home visitation program.

The Foundation is dedicated to opening the doors to hope and opportunity for children and their families. Last year, it granted approximately $20 million to organizations working to strengthen families by preventing child abuse and neglect, finding homes for foster children and helping children be successful in school. The Foundation recently concluded its 10th anniversary year, helping open doors to hope and opportunity for children, youth, and their families while bettering the lives of 1.2 million children.

Created by Freddie Mac in 1991, the Freddie Mac Foundation is dedicated to opening the doors to hope and opportunity to children and their families. As one of the largest corporate funders in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Freddie Mac and the Freddie Mac Foundation have invested more than $100 million in nonprofit organizations serving children and families.