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FedEx Archives: 1998 Press Releases

( BW)(FEDERAL-EXPRESS)(FDX) FedEx Gift to Help Fight Childhood Cancer; St. Jude International Outreach Program will receive $2 million

    Business Editors

    MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 25, 1998--Federal Express Corp. (FedEx) (NYSE: FDX) is donating $2 million to the International Outreach Program of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The gift will be used to help improve medical care for children worldwide with catastrophic illnesses such as pediatric cancers, sickle cell disease, pediatric AIDS and immune disorders.
    It marks the largest single donation by FedEx to St. Jude.
    "St. Jude has made significant strides in addressing catastrophic childhood diseases in the United States. As an international corporation and strong supporter of St. Jude, we are proud to assist them in reaching the far corners of the globe," said Ted Weise, FedEx president and chief executive officer.
    The gift was announced early today following a special benefit gala in Monte Carlo, Monaco for St. Jude and Monaco Cancer Reconfort, a Monacan cancer treatment association.
    Founded in Memphis in 1962, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is the first institution established solely for conducting basic and clinical research into childhood catastrophic diseases. The International Outreach Program carries the hospital's mission to countries where access to adequate medical services is often limited.
    Since it was launched in 1989, the program has provided physician training, treatment plans for local clinics, electronic consultations for diagnostic purposes and other medical assistance to more than 80 countries -- from Latin American to the Middle East and beyond.
    FedEx is a long-time supporter of St. Jude, sponsoring the FedEx St. Jude Classic golf tournament since 1986. Last year, $800,000 was contributed to St. Jude from the tournament. Today's announcement comes on the eve of the 1998 FedEx St. Jude Classic, which begins next week in Memphis.
    John Burton Tigrett, a former Federal Express board member, formally announced the $2 million gift following the Monaco fund-raising event for St. Jude, which was co-hosted by Prince Albert of Monaco. Other guests included Marlo Thomas, daughter of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, entertainer Julio Iglesias, supermodel Claudia Schiffer, Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist and Dr. Peter Doherty, chief of the St. Jude immunology department and 1996 Nobel prize recipient.
    "FedEx is one of St. Jude's most enduring and generous supporters," said Richard C. Shadyac, national executive director of ALSAC/St. Jude, the hospital's fund-raising arm. "We are deeply appreciative of the support FedEx has provided for our life-saving work domestically and now to our international programs. We are truly blessed to have them as a corporate neighbor."
    Federal Express, a subsidiary of FDX Corp., connects areas that generate 90% of the world's gross domestic product in 24-48 hours with door-to-door, customs-cleared service and a money-back guarantee. The company's unmatched air route authorities and infrastructure make it the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast, reliable and time-definite transportation of more than 3 million items to 211 countries each working day. FedEx employs more than 142,000 employees and has more than 44,700 drop-off locations, 615 aircraft and 40,900 vehicles in its integrated global network. The company maintains electronic connections via FedEx Powership(R), FedEx Ship(R) and FedEx interNetShip(SM). Federal Express reported revenues of $13.3 billion for its fiscal year ended May 31, 1998.
    FDX Corp., a $16 billion holding company, provides comprehensive transportation, logistics, and supply chain management solutions on a worldwide scale. FDX Corp.'s primary operating subsidiaries are Federal Express Corp., the world's largest express transportation company; RPS, Inc., a business-to-business ground package carrier; Roberts Express, Inc., a critical shipment carrier; Viking Freight, Inc., a less-than-truckload carrier operating principally in the western United States; Caliber Logistics, Inc., a contract logistics provider; and Caliber Technology, Inc., a supplier of information services.

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     CONTACT:  Federal Express, Memphis
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     KEYWORD:  TENNESSEE
     INDUSTRY KEYWORD:  TRANSPORTATION TRAVEL/AIRLINES