MAYOR NUTTER KICKS OFF THIRD YEAR OF “SPLASH AND SUMMER FUNd” CAMPAIGN TO KEEP CITY POOLS OPEN

First Niagara will lead campaign to raise $600,000rnPhiladelphia, March 1, 2011 –Mayor Michael A. Nutter kicked off the third year of the “Splash and Summer FUNd” pool fundraising campaign. He was joined by City officials and representatives from the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Recreation Advisory Council and First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FNFG) in announcing a goal of raising $600,000 by April 30, 2011. This money, in addition to supplemental funding from the City, will keep its 70 public swimming pools open during the 2011 summer season.rnrnTo date, the campaign has received a total of $506,000 in commitments. Among the funding commitments made by a number of generous corporate sponsors and private donors, include a commitment of $100,000 from First Niagara and a commitment from United Health Care to donate $60,000. Bob Kane, First Niagara’s Eastern Pennsylvania Regional President, will chair this year’s “Splash and Summer FUNd” campaign and Darrin Johnson, United Health Care’s Vice President of Marketing, will serve as Co-Chair.rnrnIn 2010, First Niagara closed the funding gap with a $400,000 donation that fulfilled the City’s goal of raising $600,000 to keep its 70 municipal pools open throughout the summer season. The funding supported 800 life guarding and facility maintenance jobs while providing recreational amenities for 1 million visitors. First Niagara will continue to provide management expertise and resources to assist the City with securing support from area businesses and corporations.rnrn“This year’s fundraising effort is off to a great start with $506,000 in contribution commitments already being made,” said Mayor Nutter. “The City is grateful for First Niagara and United Health Care’s leadership in continuing the effort to reach our $600,000 goal so families can enjoy valuable recreation opportunities during the hot summer months. I encourage residents and all of our community partners to help us ensure that families across Philadelphia have another wonderful summer.”rnrn“The opening of all the pools in 2010 created tremendous excitement and that momentum has continued throughout the fall and winter,” said Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson. “We’re very thankful for the early support we’ve received”rnrnThe “Splash and Summer FUNd” welcomes contributions from individuals, community organizations, and businesses. Donation levels begin at $10.00 and those who want to make a credit care donation via phone are asked to call 215-665-2548 by March 4th. Donations can also be made before or after March 4th by logging onto www.phillysummerfund.org.rnrnDonated funds will be collected and administered by The United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.rnrnContribution commitments to the 2011 “Splash and Summer FUNd” have been made by the following partners:rnrn*First Niagara: $100,000rnrn*United Health Care: $60,000rnrn*Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest: $100,000rnrn*Lombard Swim Club $54,000rnrn*Shire Pharmaceuticals $34, 000rnrn*Philadelphia Parking Authority $34,000rnrn*Keystone Mercy Health Plan: $25,000rnrnConnelly Foundation: $10,000rnrnCIGNA Corp.: $10,000rnrnCozen O’Connor: $10,000rnrnHealth Partners: $10,000rnrnMembers of the Union League: $10,000rnrnUrban Outfitters: $10,000rnrnCitizens Bank: $5,000rnrnDay & Zimmerman Group, Inc.: $5,000rnrnSt. Christopher’s Hospital for Children: $5,000rnrnOther contributions $24,500rnThe following businesses and organizations will continue to provide the city with support services during the “Splash and Summer FUNd” campaign:rnrnUnited Way of Southeastern PennsylvaniarnrnThe M AgencyrnrnModell’srnrnClear Channel RadiornrnTastyKakernrn*donated to the “Splash and Summer FUNd” in 2010