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WALL, N.J. – New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), is partnering with the American Heart Association as a sponsor of the 13th annual Heart Walk. This year’s Monmouth-Ocean Shoreline Heart Walk will take place on Sunday, September 26, rain or shine, in Belmar. The event supports the American Heart Association’s mission to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The American Heart Association estimates there are more than 10 million Americans alive today who have experienced cardiovascular-related surgery, heart attack, cardiac arrest or stroke.

“When it comes to the well-being of our customers, there’s no substitute for good health,” said NJNG Chairman and CEO Laurence M. Downes, this year’s Monmouth County Chairman of the Monmouth-Ocean Shoreline Heart Walk. “We’re proud to partner with the American Heart Association to raise funds for research and education programs that promote heart health and help save lives,” Mr. Downes said.

Employees of NJNG and other members of the NJR family of companies have held a variety of fund-raising events to support the American Heart Association during the months leading up to the Heart Walk. NJNG also has sponsored activities to promote wellness for employees and the community, including educational awareness and health screenings. The company invites customers, shareowners and the community to join in these efforts to make a difference in the lives of those who have been affected by heart disease.

Among those who have been helped is Michele Campbell, Ph.D., principal of St. Rose High School in Belmar and the 2004 Monmouth County Heart Walk Red Cap Ambassador. Dr. Campbell survived a heart attack in 1998 and has undergone various cardiac procedures. “I am exceedingly grateful for the efforts and research encouraged by the American Heart Association that have allowed me to enjoy six more grandchildren and a full life with my husband and career,” Dr. Campbell said.

Since 1948, the American Heart Association has invested more than $2 billion in cardiovascular research – second only to the federal government – helping to usher in “heart milestones,” including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, microsurgery, heart valve replacement, coronary bypass surgery, the pacemaker and drug treatments for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.

Registration for the Monmouth-Ocean Shoreline Heart Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 26, 2004, at the Taylor Pavilion on the Belmar boardwalk at Ocean and Fifth avenues. To make a donation or form a team to walk with NJNG, visit njliving.com or call Kathy O’Connell, manager – customer advocacy and volunteerism, at 732-938-1074.

New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a Fortune 1000 company and a member of the Forbes Platinum 400. NJNG is one of the fastest-growing local distribution companies in the United States, serving more than 450,000 customers in New Jersey’s Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Morris counties. This service area’s demographics and quality of life contribute greatly to NJNG’s growth. NJNG’s progress is a tribute to the dedicated employees who have shared their expertise and focus on quality through more than 50 years of serving customers and the community to make the company a leader in the competitive energy marketplace. For more information, visit NJNG’s Web site at njliving.com.