Community Connections
GAFRI considers involvement in the work of nonprofit charitable organizations a demonstration of our core values. We support our associates' efforts to support the community through a variety of programs and initiatives.

GAFRI's Community Support and Contributions program is an expression of our corporate culture in that associates direct our support for community organizations. Through this program, associates apply for monetary grants and other support (such as surplus office supplies) on behalf of nonprofit organizations and their efforts. An associate Community Support Team reviews all grant applications and approves requests based on certain criteria. In 2008, 37 organizations – including food pantries, animal shelters, and soup kitchens in the inner city – received grants through this GAFRI program.

Our associates participate in a variety of other volunteer activities as well. For the past few years, we have launched in-house fundraising initiatives for the United Way and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk, and holiday gift campaigns to benefit a local orphanage and various community centers.

When needs arise, again and again, GAFRI associates lend their helping hands through company-supported efforts.

Cincinnati, Ohio
July 18, 2008
Great American Financial Resources Inc., a member of the Great American Insurance Group family of companies, is proud to announce its support in helping change the lives of a West Chester, Ohio, family. The Cincinnati-based insurance company—and the name behind the Great American Ball Park—is providing a $100,000 college scholarship for the Akers children.

The Akers family is being featured on an upcoming episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”. With the help of hundreds of volunteers and workers, the family’s newly remodeled home is now more accessible for the special needs of their children.

“The mission of Great American Financial Resources is to help people—especially educators—prepare for their financial future. It seems only fitting to provide for the long-term financial needs of this well-deserving family,” said S. Craig Lindner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Great American Financial Resources. “All parents want to know their children are taken care of, and we’re proud to make the future even brighter for Christian, Brooke and Faith. It’s our small way of helping Great American dreams come true.”

In addition to its support of the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” the company is a corporate sponsor for the National Rural Education Association (NREA), an organization committed to enhancing educational opportunities for rural children. Great American Financial Resources also provides funding for the USA Today Literacy Grant program, which distributes classroom newspaper subscriptions and related lesson plans to teachers nationwide. Locally, the company sponsors the Great American Teacher of the Week program, which recognizes Tri-State area educators.

“We recognize the importance of education and are committed to honoring those who make the future brighter for our children,” said Lindner. “This college scholarship allows us the opportunity to directly impact the lives of a local family, who is clearly an inspiration for us all.”

About Our Companies

Great American Financial Resources markets traditional fixed, indexed and variable annuities and various forms of supplemental insurance. The company’s subsidiaries include Great American Life Insurance Company, Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company, United Teachers Associates Insurance Company and Loyal American Life Insurance Company.

Great American Insurance Group’s roots go back to 1872 with the founding of its flagship company, Great American Insurance Company. In addition to Great American Financial Resources, the operations of Great American Insurance Group are engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialty commercial products for businesses. This year marks the 100th year that Great American Insurance Company has received an “A” (Excellent) or higher rating from the A.M. Best Company (most recent rating evaluation effective on December 17, 2007). The members of the Great American Insurance Group are subsidiaries of American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG), also based in Cincinnati, Ohio. AFG’s common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and Nasdaq under the symbol (“AFG”).

About ABC-TV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”, which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), is entering its 6th season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Anthony Domonici is the executive producer; and David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA.

Light The Night Walk
The Light The Night Walk, which is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's nationwide evening walk, was created to build awareness of blood cancers and raise funds for cures. During this annual fundraiser, walkers carry illuminated balloons (white for survivors and red for supporters) to celebrate and commemorate those lives who have been touched by cancer.

Chuck Scheper, Chief Operating Officer at GAFRI, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in March 1992 and knows how vital Light The Night fundraising is for supporting cancer research: "The treatment I received in my battle with cancer was considered experimental. Without funding for research from groups such as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, that treatment might not have become available." Cancer free for nearly 15 years, Chuck knows firsthand that becoming involved sends ripples of positive impact to those striving to achieve wellness.

Serving America's Educators
GAFRI subsidiaries have been providing retirement solutions to educators for more than 30 years, so it is fitting that the Company has a major focus on supporting teachers in their work and improving education through a variety of programs.

National Rural Education Association
Great American Financial Resources^®, Inc., is proud to be a corporate partner with the National Rural Education Association. The NREA's vision statement proclaims that "The NREA will be the leading national organization providing services which enhance educational opportunities for rural schools and their communities."

As part of our sponsorship, GAFRI is proud to support the NREA Communities and Rural Education Service Award (C.A.R.E.S.). The award recognizes outstanding efforts to build strong ties between rural school districts and the communities they serve. The winning school district is honored with a $5,000 prize and will be recognized at the annual NREA Convention.

This flier provides more information on the award. To nominate a school district, please complete this entry form.

Teacher of the Week
The Great American^® Teacher of the Week program – sponsored by Great American Financial Resources^®, Inc., and Warm 98 (a Cincinnati radio station) and broadcast weekly on Cincinnati's WLWT-TV – thanks and recognizes educators for their hard work and dedication in the classroom. Nominated by their students throughout the school year, winning educators are chosen from the Greater Cincinnati area and receive a surprise classroom visit with a tote full of prizes and a pizza party for the class.

A total of 13 educators will be awarded this honor before the close of the 2008 academic school year. Now in its fourth year, the Great American Teacher of the Week program has given students and parents across the Tri-state an opportunity to thank educators who are making a significant educational impact in the classroom. More than 1,500 educators have been nominated since the program began. GAFRI congratulates all those educators who have been nominated for their passion and commitment and wishes them continued success in shaping the hearts and minds of today's youth.

USA TODAY Literacy Award
GAFRI is one of a handful of national sponsors of the USA TODAY literacy grant program, "Reading Across the Curriculum: Focus on Literacy." These grants provide educational resources to teachers to help students make personal connections to real-world information as part of their curriculum. Teachers and students receive daily copies of USA TODAY in their classrooms along with "Experience USA TODAY," a four-page lesson plan on today’s news to encourage reading.

The Ron Clark Academy
GAFRI provides support to the Ron Clark Academy, based in Atlanta, Georgia. The innovative, nonprofit school serves students in grades 5-8 who are from low-wealth areas. It is being funded primarily through donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate gifts. Ron Clark, the school’s cofounder and a former Disney American Teacher of the Year, has been recognized for his tireless work and dedication to making a difference in the lives of children. Mr. Clark has made numerous presentations to GAFRI employees and distribution partners from across the country, emphasizing the importance of outstanding education and delivering his message of hope.

The Lunch Buddies and Playground Pals
Each Wednesday, during the past two school years, GAFRI associates visited the John G. Carlisle Elementary School in Covington, Kentucky, to spend quality time with its students. (Covington is right across the Ohio River from GAFRI's Home Office.) These volunteers engaged in positive play and dialogue with the children during the lunch and recess period. The goal of the program is to help students overcome barriers that interfere with academic success.

Carol Dedischew, Industry Relations Director at GAFRI, is one of the enthusiastic volunteers who visited the school this past year: "I really enjoyed being involved with the kids. I'd recommend the experience to anyone sincerely interested in having a positive impact on a child – however small it might seem. Having someone take time to just 'talk' and ask what's important to them can make a difference. They feel valued and important. You can see how much it means to them by the looks in their eyes and the smiles on their faces – their 'Buddy' is there."

Through their dynamic interactions, these GAFRI role models shared a piece of their day with young people facing a variety of challenges. According to the mentoring project coordinator, "The kids really enjoyed it." So did we!

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