Multi-Million Dollar Online Credit Card Donation Ushers In New Era Of e-Philanthropy

United Cerebral Palsy Associations
Tuesday, 15 May 2001

Trailblazing Attorney Donates $2.5 Million to United Cerebral Palsy with American Express® Card -'Raises Bar' for Online Giving

Washington, D.C., May 15, 2001 - In a groundbreaking philanthropic event, Baltimore attorney Stephen L. Snyder made what is believed to be the largest online charitable donation ever.* Using his Platinum Card® from American Express, Snyder donated $100,000 online to United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), at www.ucp.org, as part of a $2.5 million gift to the organization. At an event held in the National Press Club, Snyder raised the standard for "e-philanthropy" and challenged others to follow his example.

"I'm pleased to demonstrate that charitable giving has become as simple as clicking a mouse. People often talk about how the Internet has changed their life. I believe we should now focus our collective attention on how the Internet can change the lives of others for the better," Mr. Snyder said. "It is my hope that today's event will inspire others to contribute online to good causes close to their hearts."

For more than 15 years, Mr. Snyder has fought for the legal rights of many families who have to address the needs of children with cerebral palsy. Mr. Snyder's $2.5 million donation will be used for the construction of a new UCP facility in his hometown of Baltimore, as well as the continued development of UCP's Web site as the premier portal for people with disabilities.

"UCP is gratified by the generosity of Mr. Snyder and proud to be a part of such a historic philanthropic event," stated E. Hal Nolan, president, UCP Board of Directors. "This donation is all about helping people with disabilities lead independent lives through a modernized facility and the development of a portal that will serve the needs of this community in never-before seen ways."

As one of the largest health charities in America, UCP's mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. UCP is a leading source of information and services on cerebral palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability; 65% of people served by UCP have disabilities other than cerebral palsy. UCP is consistently rated as one of the most financially responsible charities with $0.85 of every dollar spent directly on programs and services.

The donation of nearly $100,000 was the first in a series of payments that Mr. Snyder will be making online at the UCP Web site. Because of the size of the donation, the $2.5 million will be made on his Platinum Card over the Internet in increments, as agreed upon by UCP and Mr. Snyder.

"Consumers are increasingly comfortable using the Internet for e-commerce, and charities are in a unique position to capitalize on this trend. By welcoming 'e-donations,' non-profit groups have the opportunity to improve their fundraising efforts and enhance donor satisfaction," said Glenda McNeal, vice president, New Industries, American Express. "American Express has a long history of working with charitable organizations to strengthen our communities. We are proud to be able to work with United Cerebral Palsy to help facilitate this significant e-donation and those in the future."

American Express research has found that 81% of Cardmembers who used the American Express Card in the past 12 months to make a donation agree that credit and charge card acceptance makes it easier for them to make donations.

Stephen L. Snyder is currently senior partner at the law firm of Snyder, Jacobs, Slutkin and Lodowski where he works alongside two of his sons. He lives in Pikesville, MD with his wife and has five children.

For more information, or to contact United Cerebral Palsy Associations, see their website at: www.ucpa.org