BANKERS LIFE AND CASUALTY COMPANY TO BE HONORED AS PREMIER CORPORATE SPONSOR OF ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION'S RITA HAYWORTH GALA

Actor Dick Van Dyke To Present Award

CHICAGO (May 10, 2002) - Bankers Life and Casualty Company will be honored as the Alzheimer's Association's Premier Corporate Sponsor at its 15th annual Rita Hayworth Gala in Chicago. The May 11 gala will be hosted by Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Rita Hayworth's daughter.

Bankers Life and Casualty Company, a Chicago-based provider of health, life and annuity products designed especially for seniors, has made a substantial long term commitment to the Alzheimer's Association.

Multiple Emmy Award winning actor and Bankers spokesperson Dick Van Dyke will present the Alzheimer's award to Bankers President and CEO Ed Berube at the banquet. Dick joined Bankers as its official spokesperson in May 2001.

Stephen McConnell, interim president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, said, "We appreciate Bankers significant contribution to the Alzheimer's Association and our Rita Hayworth Gala. Their support will help the association raise much-needed funds to support research and increase awareness of this debilitating disease." The Alzheimer's Association is the only national health organization exclusively focused on Alzheimer's - a disease that affects 1 in 10 people over age 65. All monies raised through the Rita Hayworth Gala go directly to support research efforts, public awareness and caregiver support.

"We feel very privileged to receive this award," said Bankers President and CEO, Ed Berube. "We are excited about our new relationship with the Alzheimer's Association and our sponsorship of the Rita Hayworth Gala. The association's goals of increasing awareness, supporting caregivers and funding research are in the best interests of all seniors and go hand in hand with our own commitment to the senior market."

Established in 1879 and headquartered at the historic Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago, Bankers Life and Casualty Company focuses exclusively on the financial security needs of seniors. The company offers a broad portfolio of health and life insurance and retirement savings products designed especially for seniors. These products are distributed through a national network of professionally trained company agents. Visit us online at www.bankers.com.

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