Valvoline.com

6/1/2009

Valvoline Instant Oil Change raises more than $110,000 for Children's Miracle Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SALT LAKE CITY (June 1, 2009) - Valvoline Instant Oil Change, a business of Ashland Inc., raised $110,508 for Children's Miracle Network, an international non-profit that raises funds for children's hospitals. The fundraising event, which took place during the month of April, consisted of Valvoline Instant Oil Change customers purchasing Children's Miracle Network signature paper miracle balloons.

Four-hundred and forty-one company and franchise owned stores located throughout the United States participated in the fundraiser and displayed the balloons, which featured customer names. All of the funds raised will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network hospitals to support a number of initiatives. Donations through Valvoline Instant Oil Change will help create miracles by funding specialized medical care, research and education that saves and improves the lives of children.

"Children's Miracle Network began its partnership with Valvoline Instant Oil Change this year," said Brian Hazelgren, chief development officer, Children's Miracle Network. "Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of its employees and customers, we're able to create miracles for the 17 million children treated at our hospitals each year."

"We were so proud to have the opportunity to support such a great cause for these children in the communities where we live and work," said Tony Puckett, president, Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC). "The 6,500+ VIOC team members enjoy serving others on a day-to-day basis as we work to keep our customers safe on the road. The opportunity to do more for our communities with the help of our new partners at the Children's Miracle Network organization is one that we will continue to embrace and seek to make an even bigger impact in the years to come."

About Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network is an international non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals. Countless individuals, 90 organizations and 400 media partners unite with Children's Miracle Network hospitals to help sick and injured kids in local communities. Donations to Children's Miracle Network create miracles by funding medical care, research and education that saves and improves the lives of 17 million children each year. To learn more go to ChildrensMiracleNetwork.org.

About Valvoline Instant Oil Change:

Valvoline, a brand of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil. The Valvoline family of products includes Eagle One® appearance products, Car Brite® car restoration products, Zerex® antifreeze, SynPower® performance products, Pyroil® automotive chemicals and MaxLife® products created for higher-mileage engines. With more than 800 locations throughout the United States, Valvoline Instant Oil Change® is a leader in serving the quick lube market.

Ashland Inc. provides specialty chemical products, services and solutions for many of the world's most essential needs and industries. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, it operates through five commercial units: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.

Press Contact: Alison Bowers
abowers@childrensmiraclenetwork.org
Office: 801.214.7400 ext 7403

Ken Gordon
kdgordon@ashland.com
Office: (614) 790-1832