Press Release - The Orange County Marathon - 9/19/07

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

     Downey Savings Announces Sponsorship of Avia OC Marathon
 
Newport Beach, CA (September 19, 2007) – Downey Savings is proud to 
announce its participation as the official bank sponsor of the 4th Annual 
2008 Avia Orange County Marathon Presented by Nutrilite. The Avia OC 
Marathon, to be held in Newport Beach and Irvine on Sunday, January 6, 
2008, caps a weekend of health and fitness related events and benefits 
children's charities and after-school programs for under-served children in 
Orange County.

As a major sponsor, Downey Savings will provide financial support to the 
event and is encouraging its employees to become actively involved as 
volunteers or participants.  Downey Savings already has numerous employees 
who have indicated they will run in the full marathon and has received an 
enthusiastic response with over 100 employees participating as volunteers 
in past OC Marathons.

"We are very pleased to continue supporting the Avia OC Marathon and the 
charities that benefit from this event," said Daniel D. Rosenthal, 
President and Chief Executive Officer of Downey Savings.  "For the past 50 
years, Downey Savings has had a strong commitment to supporting the 
communities in which we work, live and serve our customers.  This event is 
an outstanding way for us to become involved at both the corporate and 
individual level to help deserving children and help foster community 
growth and development."

"To stage a world-class event like the Orange County Marathon it takes 
great corporate support. We appreciate our relationship with Downey 
Savings," said Bill Sumner, Race Director. "The great folks at Downey 
Savings participate in the event, volunteer at the event and support the 
charities that are involved with the Marathon. Having this deep involvement 
helps in our mission of continuing the great growth of the marathon so we 
can promote fitness but also help a number of charity groups annually."


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