6.12.2008 - 09:00am ET

(CSRwire) RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA - June 12, 2008 – Goodwill Southern California (GSC) has named the Union Bank of California (NYSE: UB) Foundation as the Benefactor of the Year. The Union Bank Foundation was selected for its proven commitment to meet the needs of the Inland Empire community, by providing grants which enable development and mentoring, financial support and leadership opportunities. The Union Bank Foundation is the first to receive the Benefactor of the Year award in the Inland Empire.

"The Union Bank Foundation team embodies the philanthropic spirit both personally and professionally and is an extraordinary friend to those we serve," said Lowell King, regional operations officer, GSC Inland Empire Campus. "The team's generosity merits the first Benefactor of the Year award; it's a pleasure to present it to such a committed team."

During the last three years of its support of GSC, the Union Bank Foundation has donated nearly $40,000 for education, skills training, work experience, and job-placement services. In addition, bank employees have donated hundreds of hours to assist the organization.

"We are honored to be recognized by Goodwill Southern California. It has been our privilege to partner with the organization to meet the needs of the Inland Empire community," said Kathy Patoff, vice president and foundation officer with the Union Bank Foundation. "We hope our contributions also help support the economic growth and prosperity of the Inland Empire. It only makes sense for us to be involved in this area where we do business and help Goodwill Southern California create opportunities that are truly needed for persons with disabilities."

Since 1916, Goodwill Southern California (GSC) has enhanced the quality of life of people with disabilities or other disadvantages by providing education, training and job opportunities to assist them in becoming more self-sufficient and productive. More than 31,000 people with disabilities and vocational disadvantages benefit from Goodwill Southern California's education, job training and placement programs each year. GSC operates 55 retail stores, 40 attended donation centers, three campuses and 21 workforce/training centers in the counties of Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino.

Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator, gave Goodwill its highest four-star ranking for seven consecutive years, because GSC spends 93 percent of its budget on programs that transform lives through the power of work. For more information about Goodwill and its programs, visit www.goodwillsocal.net.

Established in 1953, the Union Bank of California Foundation serves as an agent for charitable contributions made by Union Bank of California, N.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of UnionBanCal Corporation, a publicly traded San Francisco-based bank holding company. The Foundation contributes financial assistance to nonprofit institutions and organizations that enhance the quality of life and help meet the needs of the communities it serves. The company's Web site is located at www.unionbank.com.

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