* DaimlerChrysler corporate campaign kicks off with thousands of participants AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DaimlerChrysler kicked-off its United Way employee giving campaign today with a day of special events and games that drew 3,500 employees and executives together to compete and raise money for the 2006 United Way of Southeast Michigan Torch Drive. Eight employee teams -- representing Chrysler Group organizations such as Procurement Supply, Product Development and Manufacturing -- competed in four Chrysler-style Olympic games, including the "Stow-n-Go Family Vacation Race," the "Back to School Challenge," "Gleaners Food Sorting Race" and the "Book Relay." In addition to the four games, teams competed for top fund-raising honors in a bake sale that brought in more than $23,000. Executive teams led by Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda and Senior Vice President - Employee Relations John Franciosi also took part in the games, competing in two special events: a golf challenge billed as "Driving Out Social Issues" and a wet-and-wild relay called "Pouring Hope into the Community." With their soggy, light-hearted win, Team Franciosi earned more than $2,100 for the United Way. LaSorda and Senior Vice President - Human Resources Nancy Rae kicked off the games and the Company's fund-raising drive with a special torch-lighting ceremony. "It's no secret just how tough it's been for both our community and the United Way of Southeastern Michigan over the past few years," LaSorda told employees. "And today, we find ourselves in an even more difficult and challenging environment. The Chrysler Group is known for its generosity and leadership, and I know that I can count on you to maintain this tradition. And by helping United Way, you will be part of creating lasting change." Employees also donated food for Gleaners Food Bank, children's VHS and DVD movies, gently-used books and school supplies. Thirty United Way agencies also participated in the kickoff and provided information from on-site booths. "Our goal today is to inspire action and encourage community involvement," said Rae. "This event represents the best of the Chrysler Group as well as the best of local support agencies." Following the announcement that the day's events had raised $27,266 for the United Way of Southeast Michigan, LaSorda told the crowd: "Your commitment and generosity have exceeded our expectations." Arthur Wieckowski, 29 of Hamtramck, Mich., helped employees get in the spirit of the event. Wieckowski and his English Labrador Retriever service dog Boomer are examples of how United Way agencies make a difference in the community. Born prematurely with cerebral palsy, Wieckowski has used a wheelchair for mobility throughout his life. His father Eugene, who is retired from DaimlerChrysler's Sterling Heights Assembly Plant also has helped him get around (Arthur's mother, Barbara, still works at the Sterling Heights facility.) Three years ago, Wieckowski was at a University of Detroit - Mercy basketball game and saw someone enter with a service dog from Paws With a Cause, a United Way partner organization. "I got a telephone number, put my name on a waiting list and had Boomer within a year," said Wieckowski. "My life is a lot better because Boomer has made so many things easier for me. Boomer helps me do things that most people take for granted. It's wonderful to have him around." When Wieckowski goes places such as the mall or a baseball game, Boomer accompanies him, helping him open doors, pay for items and retrieve things that Arthur may drop. Overall, last year's Chrysler Group corporate campaign raised $8,641,338, a 7.1 percent increase over the prior year. DaimlerChrysler's campaign was honored with the United Way's Spirit of America Summit Award. With an announced United Way for Southeastern Michigan 2006 Torch Drive goal of $61 million, Chrysler Group is preparing to contribute its share with an ambitious goal to match last year's contribution. United Way for Southeastern Michigan will kick off the community Torch Drive on Friday, Sept. 8. The drive concludes Nov. 15, 2006. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Curtrise Garner, +1-248-512-2712, or , or David Elshoff, +1-248-512-2690, or , both of Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/ http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/

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