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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