Press Releases

Paris, France (July 6, 2010) - Leading global financial security company Genworth Financial, (NYSE:GNW) took its Putts4Charity fundraising challenge to France for the first time last week, at Le Golf National, raising EUR €13,583 for SOS Villages D’Enfants.

Putts4Charity helps raise funds for good causes by challenging the general public to make a successful “one putt” on specially constructed greens at various stops along The European Tour.  For each successful one putt made at the Alstrom Open de France, the Genworth Foundation makes a €1 donation to charity.  Similarly, every one putt made by professionals competing in the tournament raised €2.

The popular putting challenge was developed by Genworth, in partnership with The Tour Players Foundation, the charitable organization of The European Tour and has been running since 2007.  Putts 4 Charity is part of Genworth’s commitment to community involvement in the countries where it has operations.  The 2010 season of Putts4Charity aims to donate over €150,000 to this year’s main beneficiary, SOS Villages D’Enfants across Europe.

The event in Paris was launched by a special challenge between local golf star Grégory Havret and 5 year-old Zach Little, son of fellow European Tour Professional, Sam Little.  Both Pro and Junior were successful in holing €1,000 one putts.  

Speaking before the challenge, Grégory Havret said: “I feel very privileged to lead the life of a professional golfer. Representing the Tour Players' Foundation in charity initiatives like this is a great way to give back, support a good cause and keep my feet on the ground. I met my match in Zach today, we had a lot of fun and he putted great!”

“I know Le Golf National course well as I play it regularly with my son. I can picture every one putt being made during play by the Tour pros, all of which are helping to raise funds for SOS Villages D’Enfants,” added Eric Donadieu of SOS Villages D’Enfants.

“As a European Tour sponsor we are delighted to expand our programme and bring Putts4Charity to France for the first time.” said Frederic Guez, managing director of Genworth in France and Benelux.  “Golfers young and old, amateur and professional have taken part adding to over half a million Euro donated through this initiative since it started in 2007.”

In France, Genworth has a specialist focus on Lifestyle Protection Insurance helping consumers meet their payment obligations on outstanding financial commitments in the event of involuntary unemployment, illness, permanent disability or death.  The company also offers GAP insurance to individual and business customers. 

Notes to editors

Genworth is also the official sponsor of The European Tour Statistics programme, providing Tour Members with invaluable analysis of their performance. Every shot played by every member is profiled throughout the season, with the results collated into nine categories: Stroke Average, Driving Accuracy, Driving Distance, Greens in Regulation, Putts per Greens in regulation, Putts per Round, Sand Saves,  Scrambles and One Putts Per Round.
Genworth will be local sponsors of the following future tournaments on the 2010 European Tour calendar:

• Alstom Open de France (1st – 4th July)
• Nordea Scandanavian Masters (22nd – 25th July)
• 3 Irish Open, Killarney, Co Kerry - July 29-Aug 1 (ProAM July 28)
• Portugal Masters (15th – 18th October)

For more details on Genworth’s partnership with the European Tour, please visit www.genworth.co.uk/golf

About Genworth Financial
Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE:GNW) is a leading Fortune 500 global financial security company.  Genworth has more than $100 billion in assets and employs approximately 6,000 people with a presence in more than 25 countries.  Its products and services help meet the investment, protection, retirement and lifestyle needs of more than 15 million customers.   Genworth operates through three segments: Retirement and Protection, U.S. Mortgage Insurance and International. Its products and services are offered through financial intermediaries, advisors, independent distributors and sales specialists.  Genworth Financial, which traces its roots back to 1871, became a public company in 2004 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.   For more information, visit Genworth.com.