Cigna Foundation Turning 50; Celebrating Its Part in Creating a Healthier World

• Founded in Philadelphia Oct. 19, 1962
• First donation was to United Way for $110,000
• $220 million in total giving; a million total employee volunteer hours
• Initiating worldwide “Go Volunteer” campaign
• Sponsoring first-ever global workplace health forum

BLOOMFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Cigna Foundation turns 50 tomorrow and is celebrating its part in creating a healthier world. The 50^th anniversary year will be marked with a search for the healthiest workplaces on Earth and a worldwide “Go Volunteer” campaign of employee volunteerism and community service.

Cigna Foundation began on Oct. 19, 1962 as INA Foundation in Philadelphia and has given a total of $220 million in its first five decades. The Cigna Foundation now provides support in diverse international markets. This increased focus on global health needs and solutions will kick off in 2013 with a sponsorship to the Global Knowledge Exchange Network – the first global initiative to identify the world’s healthiest workplaces and share the most effective programs with businesses and health professionals across the globe. This program will include a health summit in April 2013 in London, presented by the Cigna Foundation and convening international employers and global health leaders.

“This 50^th anniversary year is a great time for Cigna to celebrate its history and plan the future as a global foundation working to improve the health of individuals and communities around the world. Our employees and the Cigna Foundation are working tirelessly to improve the state of health and wellness for all individuals," said Cigna (NYSE:CI) CEO David M. Cordani.

The Cigna Foundation has a proud history of making a difference in well-being the world over, from its long-time support of The March of Dimes and The United Way to its historic partnership with the Philadelphia Orchestra Tour of China as that country first opened its doors to international diplomacy. Over time, much of the foundation’s work has been in support of more than 100 communities in need.

Cordani stressed the importance of the Cigna Foundation in engaging the passion and energy of Cigna’s global workforce of more than 35,000. For example, this week Cigna’s employees around the world are joining forces as they raise funds – to be matched by the Cigna Foundation – to support a Habitat for Humanity home building project in the Thailand community of Rayong province, which was devastated by flooding in 2010.

In the U.S., Cigna will observe the anniversary milestone by continuing its decades-long tradition of helping The United Way and will host United Way Days of Caring at various Cigna offices. A United Way predecessor was the first to receive Foundation funding 50 years ago in the amount of $110,000.

In total over five decades, Cigna employees have volunteered more than a million hours of their time to serve others. Throughout 2013, Cigna Foundation will promote a Go Volunteer Year of Service campaign by encouraging all employees to use their eight hours a year of paid time off to volunteer in their communities.

About the Cigna Foundation

The Cigna Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Foundation supports organizations sharing its commitment to enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those communities where Cigna employees live and work.

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, and other related products including group disability, life, and accident coverage. Cigna has sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, with approximately 70 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.