News Details

Lexington Man to Toss 'Pass It Forward' Shot for Cash, Calipari Charity

February 24, 2010

LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 24, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Windstream (Nasdaq:WIN), the official high-speed Internet, home phone and digital TV provider for UK Athletics, will give Walter Arnett of Lexington the opportunity to make his dream come true.

Arnett is the random winner for the opportunity to participate in Windstream's "Pass It Forward" program. He can win $10,000 by sinking a half-court shot at Rupp Arena during halftime of the University of Kentucky men's basketball game against Florida on March 7.

"It's been a dream of mine since I was a kid to sink a half-court shot," Arnett said. "There's no better place to do it than Rupp Arena!"

To be eligible for the program, UK fans were encouraged to upload a video to www.calipari1on1.com demonstrating the unique way they pass a basketball forward. The site is dedicated to the UK basketball program and head coach John Calipari.

Based on the number of videos uploaded between Oct. 16, 2009 and Dec. 14, 2009, Windstream will donate $10,000 to the Calipari Family Foundation for Children. If Arnett sinks the half-court shot, Windstream will award him $10,000 and an additional $10,000 ($20,000 total) to Coach Calipari's foundation.

Arnett's winning video can be viewed at www.calipari1on1.com. In it, he passes the ball forward to Cleveland Cavaliers star forward and friend of Coach Calipari, LeBron James.

The site also includes the following exclusive content:

  --  Q&A with Coach Cal -- Fans Asked. He Answered.
  --  Customizable video Pep Talks from coach Calipari to send to family and
      friends.
  --  Wallpaper downloads featuring coach Calipari, Rupp Arena and UK
      basketball.
  --  A live feed to coach's Twitter updates.

About Windstream

Windstream Corporation is an S&P 500 company with about $3.7 billion in annual revenues. Windstream provides phone, high-speed Internet and high-definition digital TV services to customers in 21 states. The company also offers a wide range of IP-based voice and data services and advanced phone systems and equipment to businesses and government agencies. For more information about Windstream, visit www.windstream.com.

The Windstream Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7044

CONTACT:  Windstream Corporation
          Media Contact:
          Erin Ascione
          501-748-7368
          erin.ascione@windstream.com