BankAtlantic Employee’s Team Up With Food For The Poor To Help to Rush Aid to our Neighbors in Haiti

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – January 22, 2010 – BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient BankSM announced today that its colleagues are participating in a drive to collect food, water, and much needed supplies in support of Food For The Poor’s efforts to rush aid to the earthquake victims in Haiti as quickly as possible.

As part of its goal to provide $20 million in relief to the earthquake victims in Haiti, Food for the Poor (“FFP”) has already sent 100 containers of rice, canned food and medical supplies to Haiti -- most of which is on location in Port-au-Prince ready for distribution. Another 300 containers are also planned, which will bring this phase of FFP’s relief efforts to approximately 189 tons.

“The families, children and communities of Haiti are suffering an inconceivable tragedy, and we are not surprised that our BankAtlantic colleagues have quickly agreed to join together with FFP to help in this time of desperate need,” commented, Jarett Levan, CEO of BankAtlantic.

How can you help?
 Relief supplies such as canned fish, canned meat, canned milk, water and canned baby formula can be donated at FFP’s headquarters at 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL, 33073. FFP cannot accept clothing.
 Tax deductible donations can be made by accessing www.foodforthepoor.org/haitiquake , or by calling 1-800-487-1158.
“It is critical that we get this relief into the hands of the Haitian people and to the people who are trying to help them as soon as possible,” said Robin Mahfood, President and CEO of Food For The Poor. “Orthopedic supplies are particularly needed for the trauma patients that medical staff and volunteers are treating. They are seeing terrible wounds.”

About Food For The Poor:
Food for the Poor is the largest international relief organization in the United States, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy; the organization serves the poorest of the poor in 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Founded in 1982, Food For The Poor is an interdenominational ministry that not only provides food for the starving, but also builds small houses for the destitute, digs water wells for parched villagers, provides medicine and medical equipment for the sick and elderly, supports orphanages and education for children, and much more. Since its inception, Food For The Poor has distributed more than 43,900 tractor-trailer loads of aid and has built more than 50,000 homes for the destitute. Total support received in 2008 was more than $1.5 billion, with fundraising and administrative costs comprising only 2.26% of expenses - the organization’s lowest ratio ever. In 2007, Forbes magazine rated Food For The Poor as having an efficiency level of 97% in charitable commitment and 98% in fundraising efficiency. In addition, Food For The Poor received the highest possible ratings from industry observers: four stars from Charity Navigator and five stars from Ministry Watch. Food For The Poor is also proud to meet the extensive standards of America’s most experienced charity evaluator, the Better Business Bureau.

For further information regarding donations, to help, or to learn more about Food For The Poor, please visit http://www.foodforthepoor.org , email info@foodforthepoor.com, call 954-427-2222, or write the FFP Headquarters at 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073.

About BankAtlantic: BankAtlantic, “Florida’s Most Convenient Bank”, is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida. Via its broad network of community branches, online banking division - BankAtlantic.com , and conveniently located ATMs, BankAtlantic provides a full line of personal, small business and commercial banking products and services. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week with extended weekday hours, Free Online Banking & Bill Pay, a 7-Day Customer Service Center and Change Exchange coin counters.

BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE: BBX) is a bank holding company and the parent company of BankAtlantic.

BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient Bank, Contact Info:
Media Relations:
Sharon Lyn Telephone: 954-940-6383
Fax: 954-940-5320
Email: CorpComm@BankAtlanticBancorp.com

BankAtlantic Bancorp Contact Info:
Leo Hinkley, Media and Investor Relations Officer
Telephone: (954) 940-5300
Email: InvestorRelations@BankAtlanticBancorp.com

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