(Dallas – March 28, 2008) Stanford Financial Group has donated an innovative device to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children that dramatically improves the pain and trauma involved with injection procedures. The VeinViewer is the only device of its kind to use the combination of infrared light and projection technologies to locate veins and reproduce an exact image that is projected onto the patient, making the process of inserting needles and catheters more efficient and much less traumatic for both patient and clinician. The donation, valued at $30,000, is part of the company’s commitment to give back to the community and was made on behalf of Stanford Group Company. Stanford Group Company is a member of the Stanford Financial Group, a global network of financial services companies.

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is only one of 12 hospitals in Texas and the first in Dallas to use the ground-breaking technology. The VeinViewer, developed by Memphis-based Luminetx Corporation, uses a combination of near-infrared light and patented technologies to image vascular structures, which allows physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to clearly locate subcutaneous veins directly on the skin, thereby eliminating the possibility of numerous needle sticks. The sight range of the VeinViewer extends from the surface of the skin to approximately 6 to 8 mm deep and can distinguish arteries from veins.

The device enables clinicians to visualize the location of the target area and observe any movement of the vasculature, regardless of a patient’s age, body type or skin tone.  
 
“We are so appreciative of this generous gift from Stanford Group Company,” said Stephanie Brigger, vice president of development at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. “The VeinViewer has already proven to be a tremendous addition to the way we care for our patients. It allows a normally tense experience for a child to be less stressful for the nurse, the patient and their parents. Thanks to friends like Stanford Group Company, we are able to provide the highest quality orthopedic care at no charge to patient families.”

According to Lori Bensing, Managing Director for Stanford Group Company’s Dallas office, this technology is revolutionary, and its ability to reduce the anxiety associated with inserting needles is particularly important for the patients of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. “This device is an amazing breakthrough in delivering compassionate care, and we believe it's going to make life a lot easier for both patients and those who take care of them,” said Bensing.

The donation is part of the company’s commitment to support the communities in which it has offices. Stanford has also donated VeinViewers to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock and Texas Children’s Research Hospital in Houston, among others.

According to Steve Robinson, Financial Advisor for Stanford in Dallas, the gift to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children was an easy decision given the miraculous work the hospital does. “We’ve made it a priority to give back and to look for ways to strengthen the communities in which we live and work. At Stanford, we can think of nothing that strengthens a community more than healthy, happy children. The work that Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children does is inspiring, and we hope this donation allows them to enhance the care that they give and the miracles they deliver every day,” said Robinson.

About Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. There is no charge to patient families for treatment at the hospital, and admission is open to Texas children from birth to 18 years of age. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit www.tsrhc.org.

About Stanford Financial Group
Stanford Financial Group is a privately held global network of independent, affiliated financial services companies led by Chairman and CEO Sir Allen Stanford. The first Stanford company was founded by his grandfather, Lodis B. Stanford in 1932. Stanford’s core businesses are private wealth management and investment banking for institutions and emerging growth companies.

The Stanford Financial Group of companies provides private and institutional investors with global expertise in asset allocation strategies, investment advisory services, award-winning policy and equity research, international private banking and trust administration, commercial banking, investment banking, merchant banking, institutional sales and trading, real estate investment and insurance. Stanford has over $43 billion in assets under management or advisement. Stanford Financial has made it a priority to invest in the communities in which it operates across the globe through signature corporate philanthropy initiatives with nonprofit organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and countless local and national charities that strengthen communities.

Securities products and services are offered in the United States through Stanford Group Company, member FINRA/SIPC. Stanford Financial Group is not a legal entity, but a registered trademark that encompasses the global network of independent, but affiliated, privately held and wholly owned entities. More information can be found at www.stanfordfinancial.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos available upon request.