News Release

For Immediate Release
August 25, 2006                                                                                                 
Contact:  Mike Ward
(662) 449-3699

Son of Tennessee Philanthropist Instigates Lawsuit

Hernando, MS. In documents filed on Thursday, the son of Dan Maddox, founder of the Maddox Foundation in 1968, appears to have been a lead instigator in the legal-wrangling which has plagued the Maddox Foundation for years. The Maddox Foundation and its President and CEO, Robin Costa, determined to defend the legacy of Dan Maddox and continue the work he started decades ago, asked a Mississippi court to take action to stop the on-going interference of Tommye Maddox Working, elected officials, other family members, attorneys and for-profit corporations in Tennessee in its finances, management and philanthropic activities. The court affirmed this request.

“In October of 2005, 10 months ago, a Mississippi court determined that the Maddox Foundation’s move and reorganization as a Mississippi non-profit was proper. The next month, in November, the court said clearly that no party should attempt to remove or otherwise interfere with the Foundation and its resources,” said Ronnie Musgrove of Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush. “Depositions taken in Tennessee for a matter pending there demonstrate beyond a doubt that Dan Maddox’s own son, James N. Maddox, prompted Tommye Maddox Working and the District Attorney, Victor Johnson, to take action against the Foundation.

“This unfortunate lack of respect for Dan Maddox’s wishes continues to lead to efforts by the District Attorney General Victor Johnson, Tommye Maddox Working and others in Tennessee to undermine the financial strength and integrity of this Mississippi non-profit, an organization which has served so admirably the people and the communities of North Mississippi and Middle Tennessee,” Musgrove continued.

In response to the Maddox Foundation’s request for a temporary retraining order against Mrs. Working, the District Attorney and others, the Chancery Court for DeSoto County, Mississippi, entered an order on Thursday that temporarily restrains Ms. Working, Diversified Trust, District Attorney Johnson, and their lawyers, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, PLLC, from interfering with any assets of the Maddox Foundation, from seeking the appointment of a receiver, special master, or any other official to interfere in or attempt to take over management of the affairs of the Maddox Foundation, and from otherwise taking any steps to attempt to relocate the Maddox Foundation to Tennessee. The Court has set a hearing on the Maddox Foundation's request to make that order permanent for next Friday, September 1.

“The Court’s action allows Ms. Costa and the Maddox Foundation to concentrate on the foundation’s noble work to support charitable organizations, the work that Dan and Margaret Maddox began so long ago,” Musgrove stated. “We appreciate the court’s action yesterday.”

The Maddox Foundation serves as a catalyst for building strong and viable communities that meet the needs of their citizens through collaborative action and services. The Foundation focuses its grant making activity on middle Tennessee and Northwest Mississippi, including, but not limited to select counties in the two states. Following years of service to the Maddox family businesses, Robin G. Costa now serves as President and CEO of the Maddox Foundation.