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FREMONT, California - May 1, 2006 - When Fremont Bank Senior Vice President, Community Outreach Hattie Hyman Hughes learned this Sunday's 29th Devil Mountain Run risked cancellation for lack of money, she immediately placed a call to help.

"It was remarkable to see how quickly and graciously our friends at Fremont Bank were able to step up and support Children's Hospital Oakland," said Cathy Meyer, director of philanthropy at Children's Hospital & Research Center Foundation. "Not only with this major sponsorship, but with an enthusiastic group of volunteers as well."

Hughes says. "Participating in runs and walks is so special. It's a giving of your money and your body. It's more than paying money and attending a dinner; you're committing your whole body to the cause. It's as if you are saying, 'I am willing to stretch myself, extend myself in a way to say I really care.'"

Traditionally about 4,000 people participate in this annual 5K & 10K race including top competitive runners, walking enthusiasts, families and local businesses. This year Fremont Bank has quite a showing of its employees running, walking and volunteering in the event.

"We are excited about our relationship with Fremont Bank, and we want to thank them for recognizing the importance of Children's Hospital Oakland to families throughout the greater Bay Area," Meyer said.

The philanthropic arm of Fremont Bank has been a longtime supporter of hospitals in its communities in a variety of ways including medical screenings, research and purchasing different types of needed equipment. Some of the recipients are Stanford Hospital, Valley Care, Washington Hospital, St. Rose and Children's Hospital Oakland. So there was no hesitation in committing financial support when word got out that the Devil Mountain Run was in trouble.

Hughes said, "The whole mission of Children's Hospital in Oakland to serve, to care for children and their families is a cause that in and of itself is worthy of support."

"We rely on the generous support of corporate sponsors to cover the costs of hosting this event to ensure that 100 percent of entry fees go directly to support programs at Children's Hospital Oakland," Meyers said.

Proceeds help offset monies used to provide charity care by Children's Hospital Oakland, as well as numerous programs such as the fully accredited on-site K-12 school and Bay Area's only comprehensive pediatric HIV/AIDS program.

"The name says it all," says Hughes. "It's a hospital dedicated to serving children. I think that's pretty cool."

About Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland
Children's Hospital & Research Center at Oakland is a designated Level I pediatric trauma center and the largest pediatric critical care facility in the region. The hospital has 170 licensed beds and 166 hospital-based physicians in 30 specialties, two thousand employees, and an operating budget of $200 million. With more than 300 basic and clinic investigators and an annual budget of over $43 million, the research institute has made significant progress in areas including pediatric obesity, cancers, sickle cell disease, AIDS/HIV, hemophilia and cystic fibrosis.

About Fremont Bank
Fremont Bank and its divisions are committed to providing its communities with high-quality, personalized banking services in convenient neighborhood locations. Fremont Bank has built a reputation as one of the most progressive community banks in California.

Fremont Bank was founded in 1964 on the cornerstone value that continues to fuel its success today: fast, friendly, honest service. Customers can still count on receiving this exceptional level of service - a rarity in today's marketplace. For more information, call (800) 743-INFO.

Press Contacts:
Laura Owen
Public Relations, Fremont Bank
Phone: (800) 743-INFO
Email: PublicRelations@fremontbank.com