Chicago, Ill. - 15 February, 2006 -

Nearly a quarter of a million dollars was raised in a single month by Benjamin Moore & Co. and its network of authorized paint retailers for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC ). A check totaling $202,250, presented today by John Vanderpool, Benjamin Moore general manager, to Marty Coyne, RMHC vice president and COO, reflects the results of the company's participation in World Children's Day this past November. For every gallon of Regal Matte sold, Benjamin Moore contributed $1 to RMHC. According to Vanderpool, an additional component of the program, "Give A Hand," helped supplement the amount raised from sales. Each participating retailer received 200 paper hand cutouts for consumers who also wanted to contribute $1 to the initiative, regardless if they made a Regal Matte purchase. Contributors signed the hand, which was then added to a display either in the window or another prominent area of the store. Marty Coyne, vice president and COO, RMHC accepts a $202,250 donation from John Vanderpool, Benjamin Moore general manager. A measurement of the success of "Give A Hand," said Vanderpool, is that retailers requested 5,300 additional cutouts for their stores. "We depend on Benjamin Moore and its network of retailers to provide quality products that make our Ronald McDonald Houses as comfortable as they can possibly be for the thousands of children and families who stay there each year," said Coyne. "Benjamin Moore's participation in our World Children's Day national fundraising program and this generous donation will allow RMHC to help even more children and families." Commenting on the program, Vanderpool said, "The power of one is proven by this promotion, especially if you consider it was conducted for only one month. Historically, the network of independent Benjamin Moore paint and decorating retailers has loyally rallied to support Ronald McDonald House Charities, and they obviously participated in this program with equal enthusiasm. All of us at Benjamin Moore take pride in being able to have raised such a significant amount from this program and add it to our contributions to the organization." Since 2000, Benjamin Moore has been the National Paint Provider for the Ronald McDonald House program. In that time, the company has donated exterior and interior paints, wood stains and finishes to nearly 155 Ronald McDonald Houses around the country. Moore Good Deeds for RMHC... One other recent program conducted by Benjamin Moore has had a significant payoff for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. The area Chapter is the recipient of $30,000 raised by Benjamin Moore and its sponsorship with US99-Radio/WUSN-FM of sales during the '05 holiday season of an exclusive limited edition CD, "Live Country." The disc, produced by the Chicago station, features performances by 12 top name country music entertainers including Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts and George Strait. About RMHC Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the Charity to offer help where children need it most - right in their own communities. RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children's lives through its global network of local Chapters in nearly 50 countries and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House , Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. RMHC and its global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $430 million in grants and program services to children?s programs around the world. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org. About Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of the country's leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, its products are distributed through a network of independent paint and decorating retailers located throughout North America. For more information on Benjamin Moore and its commitment to community, visit www.benjaminmoore.com.

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