Whirlpool Brand announced today it will sponsor the 2004 Reba McEntire concert tour to benefit Habitat for Humanity International. The concert tour will begin June 4 in Connecticut and visit more than two dozen cities across the U.S. to raise awareness and support for Habitat for Humanity.

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Whirlpool donates a refrigerator and range to every Habitat for Humanity home built in North America and thousands of Whirlpool employees have volunteered their time to local Habitat builds in their hometown communities. Whirlpool has donated approximately 40,000 appliances to Habitat since 1999 as part of its $25 million commitment to the organization's More than Houses campaign, which will build more than 100,000 new homes by 2005.

"It's an honor for Whirlpool to sponsor one of our country's greatest musical artists and supporting Habitat for Humanity at the same time," said David Swift, Executive Vice President of Whirlpool North America. "We believe that Reba embodies the Whirlpool brand image -- as she is a successful career woman, mother, and homemaker and is also committed to various humanitarian causes. Reba's tour provides us with the opportunity to go directly to our consumers, talking to them about Habitat for Humanity in a new way and align ourselves with a terrific performer."

Millard Fuller, founder and president of Habitat for Humanity added, "Whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity are both committed to providing safe and affordable homes to communities across the country. We are thrilled to be joined by Reba McEntire in this effort, as we work to help families in need by inspiring hope and building lives, one home at a time."

Earlier this month Whirlpool Corporation announced it would extend its commitment to Habitat for Humanity into Europe. Habitat for Humanity plans to construct 200 homes in Europe this summer and Whirlpool will provide a range, refrigerator and washer to each one. The employees of Whirlpool Europe will be among the volunteers who build the homes. The first phase of this program will help improve the lives of approximately 1,000 people who currently live in sub-standard housing.

About the Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $12 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries. Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at www.whirlpool.com

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is a Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Founded by Millard Fuller, along with his wife, Linda, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliates in more than 3,000 communities in 92 nations have built and sold more than 150,000 homes to partner families with no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. www.habitat.org

SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation