Wells Fargo is a proud supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of King and Pierce Counties, because their commitment to enriching the lives of children has a measurable impact on their future and quality of life in the Puget Sound.

Our Washington team members are gratified that their company's financial contributions since 1996--as well as their own volunteer support--have supported a nonprofit that provides mentors, education and positive opportunities to Puget Sound's youth. Wells Fargo has a long tradition of giving back to the communities where we do business and where our team members live.

In 2004, Wells Fargo's contributions to nonprofit organizations in Washington will total over $2 million. Last year, our company donated more than $83 million to 14,000-plus nonprofit organizations nationwide--that's an average of $16 million a week. As Washington residents, we feel strongly about the positive effect that Big Brothers Big Sisters has on our region's children. Consider these facts: after just a one-year relationship, children who participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters are " 46 percent less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs; " 27 percent less likely to begin using alcohol; " 52 percent less likely to skip a day of school; " 37 percent more trusting of their parent or guardian; earned higher grades in school; and felt better about school.

Speaking as someone who pays pretty close attention to numbers for a living, I can assure you that changes of that magnitude are worth your attention. Please consider joining Wells Fargo in support of this valuable organization in our community. In the meantime, if you have any questions about Wells Fargo involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters, don't hesitate to call Mark Dederer, our Community Relations manager for Washington, at (206) 343-8013.

- James Prunty, Wells Fargo Northwest Regional President