MAGIC JOHNSON FOUNDATION & HP DONATE COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER -- A MAGIC" GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON"--

The Magic Johnson Foundation and HP, will be opening the 8th Magic Johnson/HP Inventor Center as part of a multi-million dollar campaign to end technical illiteracy among inner-city residents. The residents of the Taino Towers housing development will receive a newly designed technology center equipped with hardware and software valued in excess of $150K. The Center will offer programs and course curriculums that will prepare them for jobs in the industry of Information Technology. In conjunction with the dedication of the Technology Center, in the spirit of the holiday season, the Magic Johnson Foundation will also host a Toy Drive for 300 children from Taino Towers early morning prior to the dedication at Magic Johnson Theatres in Harlem. Kids will be treated to a movie, and breakfast however, the toys will be distributed at the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony at Taino Towers.

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MAGIC JOHNSON FOUNDATION & HP DONATE COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER

A MAGIC" GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON"

WHO:   Earvin Magic" Johnson, Founder of The Magic Johnson Foundation, HP

WHAT:   The Magic Johnson Foundation and HP, will be opening the 8th Magic Johnson/HP Inventor Center as part of a multi-million dollar campaign to end technical illiteracy among inner-city residents. The residents of the Taino Towers housing development will receive a newly designed technology center equipped with hardware and software valued in excess of $150K. The Center will offer programs and course curriculums that will prepare them for jobs in the industry of Information Technology. In conjunction with the dedication of the Technology Center, in the spirit of the holiday season, the Magic Johnson Foundation will also host a Toy Drive for 300 children from Taino Towers early morning prior to the dedication at Magic Johnson Theatres in Harlem. Kids will be treated to a movie, and breakfast however, the toys will be distributed at the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony at Taino Towers.

WHEN:   Wednesday, December 18th, 2002
      12:00 Noon
      Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Community Celebration
      One-on-One Interviews available upon request

WHERE:    Taino Towers
      240 East 123rd Street, 1st Floor Gymnasium
      New York, NY   
      Contact: 212-369-3755   
      Underground Parking Available   
               
SPONSORS:   HP, DHL, Eastwind Consulting Group, Bank One, Microsoft

WHY:   Studies and Census data reflect alarmingly disproportionate numbers regarding access to Information Technology between residents residing in poor and middle/upper class communities. Because of the magnitude of the problem, and disparity based on socio/economic factors in the numbers of affected individuals, the only way to effectively fill the gap is for concerned corporations, civic and social organizations, churches and individuals to lend their support.

MEDIA RSVP:   Please fax all media credential requests to (914) 470-6282

The Magic Johnson Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on improving and addressing the health, educational and social needs of those residing in the inner city. In addition, the Foundation has made a strong commitment to raise awareness about several health and social concerns that threaten under-served communities. Founded in 1991 by basketball legend Earvin Magic" Johnson, MJF has raised more than 20 million dollars for charity.

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