CarMax Foundation Gives a Boost to Protect Older Children on the Highways

National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition to Create National Partnership to Increase Booster Seat Usage in the U.S.

RICHMOND, Va., April 6 -- CarMax, Inc. , the nation's leading specialty retailer of used vehicles, and the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB) announced today that the CarMax Foundation has made a $50,000 donation to fund the immediate startup of the National Partnership on Booster Seat Safety.

The partnership will serve as a catalyst to increase usage of booster seats. Booster seats make standard seat belts better fit children, primarily 4-to-8-year-olds, who have outgrown forward-facing child seats. The National Partnership on Booster Seat Safety will share messages about booster seat safety with health care professionals, public health organizations, schools, corporations, policymakers and especially drivers who are responsible for older children's safety.

"The CarMax Foundation support is making it possible for the HMHB to launch the National Partnership on Booster Seat Safety, leading a much-needed national movement," says Executive Director Anita Boles. She adds, "This project will benefit countless individuals and families by saving lives and preventing unnecessary injuries."

Parents depend upon the government for guidance about how to appropriately restrain their children in motor vehicles. However, many states have not yet adopted booster seat laws. In states that have not yet adopted booster seat laws, children who are less than 4 feet, 9 inches tall are not afforded the safest possible ride. Many parents are unaware that children beyond the toddler stage are riding at an increased risk if not riding in a correctly installed booster seat until they are large enough to use a seat belt.

"Providing our customers with the best service in the industry has always been a company priority," says Joe Kunkel, president of the CarMax Foundation. "Sharing the message about booster seats is a natural way for CarMax to help families, communities and the nation better protect children being transported on streets, roads and highways."

About the National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition

The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB) is a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that reaches an estimated ten million health care professionals, parents and policymakers through its membership of over 200 local, state and national organizations. Enhanced by a network of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies state and local coalitions across the country, HMHB promotes change and creates partnerships among community groups, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, businesses and governments agencies. By promoting optimal health for mothers and babies, HMHB works to strengthen families and build communities. To learn more, go to www.hmhb.org.

About the CarMax Foundation

The CarMax Foundation's National Funding Program assists nonprofit organizations that are either national or community-based and either address and improve auto safety for families and children or build a competitive workforce through technical training. CarMax, a Fortune 500 company, is the nation's leading specialty retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 50 used car superstores in 24 markets. CarMax also operates 12 new car franchises, all of which are integrated or co-located with its used car superstores. During the twelve month period ending February 29, 2004, the company sold 224,099 used cars, which is 91 percent of the total 245,740 vehicles the company sold during that period. For more information, access the CarMax web site at www.carmax.com.