AMERICAN GIRL’S 2005 CAUSE-RELATED PROGRAM RAISES NEARLY $200,000 FOR GIRLS INCORPORATED®

Money Earmarked for Three Distinct Educational Programs Offered by Nonprofit

Middleton, WI– December 26, 2005 –American Girl, Inc. is pleased to announce its donation of nearly $200,000* for three distinct programs offered by its 2005 benefit partner, Girls Inc.®—a national nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and boldSM. The three educational programs include:

• Operation Smart®—Building girls’ skills in math, science, and technology
• Discovery Leadership®—Developing girls’ leadership potential
• Sporting Chance®—Encouraging girls’ athletic skills and a cooperative team spirit.

The “I CAN” promise, which is the foundation of the 2005 cause-related campaign, will remain on American Girl’s Web site, www.americangirl.com/ican, so girls can continue to sign the promise as a reminder to believe in themselves and in each other:

American Girl “I CAN” Promise

I can be myself, follow my dreams, and

always do my best. I can reach for the stars,

lend a hand to others, and be a good friend.

I can make a difference! I promise to try

Total dollars raised for the three educational programs include an initial $50,000 contribution from American Girl, coupled with $.70 of all $1.00 I CAN bands sold for the duration of the program. The 2005 campaign officially kicked-off on September 19, 2005 and ended as planned on December 26, 2005—when American Girl launched its 2006 products and programs.

*Editor’s Note: Sale of the I CAN bands ended on 12/25/05 and final results will be available after the first of the year.

ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL
American Girl, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com), the world’s leading toy company. Since American Girl’s inception in 1986, the company has devoted its entire business to celebrating the potential of girls ages 3 to 12. American Girl encourages girls to dream, to grow, to aspire, to create, and to imagine through a wide range of insightful books, age-appropriate and educational dolls and toys, and unforgettable experiences. In meeting its mission with a vigilant eye toward quality and service, American Girl has earned the loyal following of millions of girls and the praise and trust of parents and educators.

ABOUT GIRLS INCORPORATED
Girls Incorporated® is a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold℠. With local roots dating to 1864 and national status since 1945, Girls Inc. has responded to the changing needs of girls through research-based programs and public education efforts that empower girls to understand, value, and assert their rights. In 2003, Girls Inc. reached 840,000 girls through Girls Inc. affiliates, our website, and educational publications.  

CONTACT INFORMATION
Julie Parks
American Girl
608-836-4848
julie.parks@americangirl.com

Taiia Smart Young
Girls Inc.
212-509-2000
tsyoung@girls-inc.org