RCN and the American Red Cross Team Up for Fall Rush Events in Boston

The initial "True Blood" themed event will be at the Qdoba Mexican Grill in Kenmore Square on September 4. The Huntington Ave. Qdoba Mexican Grill on the Northeastern University campus will host the second event on September 5. Both events will be held from 12 noon - 3pm. At the third event, the promotion's biggest event, "True Blood" fans will have an opportunity to meet stars Nelsan Ellis and Rutina Wesley, who will make an appearance at the "Fangtasia" party to be held at King's Lounge on September 5 from 9pm - midnight. Ellis is known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds, the short-order cook at the show's popular hangout, Merlotte's. Wesley plays the character of Tara Thornton, Lafayette's cousin and the best friend of lead character, Sookie Stackhouse. Decorated to resemble Fangtasia, the show's popular vampire bar, the party will feature music, food and refreshments. The "Fangtasia" party is open to all fans, but requires an RSVP to www.rcn.com/bitten.

Continuing the theme, RCN will sponsor two blood drives that will be run by the Red Cross. The first will be held on September 2 from 1 - 6 pm at Somerville Baptist Church. A second blood drive will be later in the month at Boston University's Hillel House on September 17 from 11 am - 4 pm. Donors will receive giveaways as well as snacks and refreshments.

"By partnering with RCN, the American Red Cross is better able to fulfill its mission of providing blood to patients in need, and we are grateful to RCN for helping to raise awareness about the constant need for blood," said Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs for the American Red Cross Blood Services-Northeast Division. "The college community is very supportive of the Red Cross, and these blood drives will help to ensure that blood is on hospital shelves when it's most needed."

"We look forward to our Fall Rush promotion every year as it is always a great opportunity to meet and interact with our customers," said Richard Wadman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of RCN Boston. "We are thrilled that this year's partnership with the Red Cross will help promote the importance of blood donation through sponsoring the campus blood drives. RCN is committed to its customers and to the community, and these events are a great way to give back."

RCN's Fall Rush promotion is aimed to connect with college students as they set up their television, internet and telephone service for the upcoming school year. In addition, RCN is offering three months of free HBO for new customers who sign up for its services now through October 31.

About RCN Boston

RCN in Boston serves the communities of Allston, Arlington, Boston, Brighton, Brookline, Burlington, Dedham, Dorchester, Framingham, Hyde Park, Lexington, Milton, Natick, Needham, Newton, Roslindale, Somerville, Stoneham, Wakefield, Waltham, Watertown, West Roxbury and Woburn.

About RCN Corporation

RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: RCNI), www.rcn.com, is a competitive broadband services provider delivering all-digital and high definition video, high-speed internet and premium voice services to residential and small-medium business customers under the brand names of RCN and RCN Business Services, respectively. In addition, through its RCN Metro Optical Networks business unit, RCN delivers fiber-based high-capacity data transport services to large commercial customers, primarily large enterprises and carriers, targeting the metropolitan central business districts in the company's geographic markets. RCN's primary service areas include Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley (PA), New York City, Boston and Chicago. (RCNI-G)

About The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has been a primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. The American Red Cross Blood Services - Northeast Division supplies a wide range of blood components, plasma derivatives, and transfusion services to over 200 hospitals and other medical facilities throughout Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. It serves the blood needs of more than 9 million residents and many thousands more who travel to New England for care at many of the nation's top medical centers. Only five percent of those eligible to donate blood actually do so. To donate blood and platelets through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. The states of Maine and Massachusetts allow those who are 16 years of age to donate blood with parental consent. For additional information regarding donor eligibility, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit givelife.org.

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