Ames shows heart with gold pin promotion for cystic fibrosis.

ROCKY HILL, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 26, 1996--Ames Department Stores, the Variety Clubs and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation have joined hands to combat cystic fibrosis (CF), America's most common fatal genetic disease, with a special Gold Heart Day campaign.

Now through St. Valentine's Day, Ames customers will have the opportunity to purchase a small gold heart pin for a $2 contribution. Customers may then "wear their hearts on their sleeves" to show their support of research to cure CF.

Thirty thousand pins have been made available for sale and can be found at service desks and several cashier stations at each store. After the campaign, Ames will donate proceeds from the sale of the pins to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation research and care and the Variety Clubs Children's Charities.

"With so much vital CF science to fund, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation truly appreciates Ames Department Stores initiating this program throughout its network of 307 stores," noted Hillary Tattersall, director of marketing and corporate relations for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "We commend their efforts, not only for helping to cure CF, but for demonstrating their community spirit as well. To help many, this program only needs a little heart. Ames has shown a lot of heart."

The Variety Clubs, a non-profit organization representing the entertainment industry, has been raising funds to benefit children with special needs all over the world. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation supports research to cure or control cystic fibrosis; patient care for 30,000 Americans affected by CF through its network of 110 CFF care centers and its subsidiary Cystic Fibrosis Services, Inc., which offers medications and home infusion services to CF patients at an extreme discount; and professional and public awareness programs.

CONTACT: Greg Hollinger, (Cystic Fibrosis) 860/257-6907