Heart to Heart finalizes Project SOS merger

OLATHE, Kan./October 19, 2006 — Heart to Heart International Inc., a leading global humanitarian organization, today said it completed the merger of SOS Inc. (commonly known as “Project SOS”)into its humanitarian operations. The merged organization will become part of Heart to Heart’s broader school-related program that focuses on preparing students, teachers and the buildings themselves for the educational experience.

“This is a great day for both organizations,” said Jon D. North, Heart to Heart’s CEO. “SOS becomes part of a larger organization with more resources and reach, and Heart to Heart adds a quality product to our school-related services. Now we can move forward together under the Heart to Heart banner.”

As part of the merger agreement, Heart to Heart will add Bruce Ré of Ré and Associates and Lonny Cannon of Meritex Logistics to its Board of Directors for a three-year term. The organization will also add the lone SOS employee, Linda Peden, to its staff. A 30-year veteran of family social services in the State of Missouri, Ms. Peden will continue as a part-time contractor and work from her home in Blue Springs, Mo.

Over the past 20 years, Project SOS has provided backpacks full of essential, age-appropriate school supplies to more than 120,000 disadvantaged children and youth in Kansas City and beyond. The group was largely driven by volunteers and private donations. Its annual budget was approximately $150,000. The group used most of these funds to purchase school supplies in bulk, ensuring the quality and consistency of each backpack.

Heart to Heart will add the Ewing M. Kauffman Golf Classic to its fundraising event series.

Heart to Heart has decided to discontinue use of the “Project SOS” name, choosing to refer to the backpack as the Heart to Heart SchoolPack™ and refer the student outreach as part of its School Readiness Initiative.

For more information on this finalized merger, people are encouraged to contact Heart to Heart’s Programs staff at 913-764-5200.