Miami, FL, April 29, 2008 - South Florida’s most vulnerable and often forgotten – young girls at risk – had the chance to shine in the spotlight, and were joined by five hundred women who sported hats of all kinds, on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at Jungle Island for Tracy Wilson Mourning’s 6th Annual Hats Off Luncheon presented by the ING Foundation.

A dozen girls – a.k.a. “Honey Bugs” – were dressed in high style with the latest spring fashions and strutted their stuff to adoring fans at a fashion show sponsored by Aventura Mall during the Hats Off Luncheon. “Our hearts and sincere gratitude go out to all our supporters who contributed to make this year’s luncheon yet another success,” said Mourning, founder of the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, which develops and nurtures the mind, body and soul of young women by providing experiences that enlighten and create balance in their lives. “Hats Off has grown not only in size and popularity, but also in awareness in the importance of what Honey Shine does and means to the community.”

A diverse group of members, sponsors, donors, mentors and volunteers, including Veronica Webb - Fashion Accomplice on Bravo TV’s new series “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style” - raised proceeds at the luncheon for the Honey Shine Mentoring Program which funds bi-weekly workshops for young girls and Camp Honey Shine, a four-week summer day camp at Carrolton School of the Sacred Heart in Coconut Grove, Florida for one hundred girls enrolled in the program.

“The ING Foundation proudly supports the Hat’s Off Luncheon and the Honey Shine Mentoring Program,” said ING Foundation President Rhonda Mims. “These important programs offer an incredible opportunity to help empower young girls in South Florida. Like the Honey Shine Mentoring Program and Alonzo Mourning Charities, we are committed to our children’s education, motivation and preparing them for tomorrow.” Guests at the popular luncheon, which featured Local 10 News anchor/reporter Neki Mohan as Mistress of Ceremonies, enjoyed a reception and silent auction, luncheon, “Honey Bug” Fashion Show, and delicious desserts courtesy of Heavenly Cupcakes all in the Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island in Miami.

“The fashion show was a great way to have the girls, whom are often lost in the shadows, feel beautiful as well as put a face to what is a very important cause in our community,” said Mourning. “I encourage and invite other women to invest in these girls because with just a little attention and mentoring, it’s amazing how much we can help them discover their inner light, their value and ignite a passion to learn and reach their potential.”

For more information on Honey Shine Mentoring Program as well as a membership or donation kit, contact 305/476-0095 or visit www.HoneyShine.org.

About Honey Shine Mentoring Program
Honey Shine Mentoring Program, a program of Alonzo Mourning Charities, works to empower young girls to shine as women. The bi-weekly workshops and summer camp that make up the program help develop and nurture the mind, body, and soul, of young women by providing experiences that enlighten and create balance in their lives. For more information, visit www.HoneyShine.org.

About ING
ING Group, N.V. is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to more than 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of more than 120,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.

In the U.S., the ING family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which include life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves more than 15 million customers across the nation.

About The ING Foundation
The ING Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities where ING operates and its employees and customers live. Through charitable giving and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on sustainable programs in the areas of financial literacy, children’s education and diversity. For more information, visit www.ing.com.