The American Red Cross will honor Microsoft Corp. with its prestigious Ernest Percy Bicknell Award at its inaugural Heritage of Service Dinner May 16, 2007, at the American Red Cross Hall of Service. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Microsoft’s innovation and commitment helped the Red Cross make major improvements in disaster response, just as Ernest Bicknell did in the early 1900s. This national donor recognition event, sponsored by State Farm, will bring together members of Congress, military leaders, Washington dignitaries and corporate representatives.

“We would like to take this opportunity at the Heritage of Service Dinner to thank Microsoft for helping to reunite thousands of families across the country through its innovative development of www.Katrinasafe.org,*” said Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, chairman of the Red Cross. “Technology continues to advance and become more powerful at an ever-increasing pace; similarly, our gratitude grows every day and with every reunited family for Microsoft’s assistance in the development of a communication system that will continue to be invaluable to the Red Cross in connecting people and families separated by disasters.”