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Allstate Agent Ronald Kaplan Receives Community Award
Donation will aid in preserving the Great American Songbook

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., August 8, 2005 – Local Allstate agent Ronald Kaplan has been awarded the Agency Hands in the Community Award for his commitment to volunteering in the community. With this award comes a $500 grant from The Allstate Foundation for the American Songbook Preservation Society where Kaplan acts as Executive Director.

So passionate is Kaplan about preserving and nurturing the rich artistic legacy of the Great American Songbook, that he founded the American Songbook Preservation Society.

The society’s mission is to preserve the cultural treasure of popular music from the 1920’s to 1960’s by presenting this music to the public at home and abroad as Ambassadors of Song.

“People around the world are familiar with this music and honor it as a true American legacy,” Said Kaplan, “The Preservation Society will expose young audiences to jazz singers committed to the Songbook.”

“Community outreach is more than a commitment for Allstate Insurance Company; it’s a passion. That dedication is demonstrated through charitable giving and volunteerism”, said Hank Barge, field vice president of the California Region.

In California, 201 Agency Hands in the Community Awards will be awarded this year with over $100,000 in charitable contributions being made to non-profit organizations.

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent corporation funded by contributions from the Allstate Insurance Company. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations that seek to improve the quality of life in communities across the country.
The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by the Allstate Corporation. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate provides insurance and financial investment products to more than 16 million households and has approximately 12,300 exclusive agents and financial specialists in the U.S. and Canada. Allstate and The Allstate Foundation sponsor community initiatives to promote “safe and vital communities”; “tolerance, inclusion, and diversity”; and “economic empowerment”. The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America’s families achieve their American dream.