CHICAGO, July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Through its annual street corner fundraiser and a separate corporate donation, Bankers Life and Casualty Company has increased its support to the Alzheimer's Association in 2009 to more than $329,000. Bankers' annual Forget Me Not Days event increased its donations over last year by 13%, to just over $229,000 for the Alzheimer's Association. In addition, Bankers - the national life and health insurer focusing on the retirement market - recognized the Association with a $100,000 donation to aid in the support of the Association's mission. "The Alzheimer's Association is doing remarkable work to advance research and provide patient and caregiver assistance, and we're proud to support their agenda," said Scott Perry, president of Bankers. "Alzheimer's has a significant impact on our customers, and the growth of our Forget Me Not Days event shows our employees and agents across the country are committed to doing what it takes to fight this disease and give something back to our customers and our communities." In its seventh record-breaking year, Forget Me Not Days saw more than 1,000 Bankers volunteers collect donations at locations in 116 U.S. cities on May 15 and 16. Since the fundraiser's start in 2003, Bankers has supported the Association with more than $1.7 million for care, education and research programs. "The Alzheimer's Association appreciates Bankers efforts to raise awareness and funds for a disease that impacts as many as 5.3 million Americans," said Angela Geiger, Chief Strategy Officer for the Alzheimer's Association. "Because the baby boomer generation is aging and the number of people with Alzheimer's continues to increase dramatically, the importance of funding care, support and research for Alzheimer's disease is critical." About the Alzheimer's Association The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit http://www.alz.org/. About Bankers Life and Casualty Company Established in 1879 in Chicago, Bankers Life and Casualty Company focuses on the financial security needs of the retirement market. The nationwide company, a subsidiary of Conseco, Inc., offers a broad portfolio of health and life insurance and retirement savings products designed especially for seniors. Visit Bankers online at http://www.bankers.com/. DATASOURCE: Bankers Life and Casualty Company CONTACT: Barbara Ciesemier, Bankers Life and Casualty Company, +1-312-396-7461; Kate Meyer, Alzheimer's Association, +1-312-604-2435 Web Site: http://www.bankers.com/

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