BEST BUY-MAGIC JOHNSON LAUNCH TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AT NANAY CENTER

North Miami, FL ? July 26, 2011

On July 25, 2011, more than 100 guests joined Best Buy and Magic Johnson in unveiling a technology makeover for the Magic Johnson Foundation Community Empowerment Center at NANAY Community Center in North Miami. Through new product integration and on-site support from Best Buy?s Geek Squad, the updated center was reconfigured to create a connected classroom environment as well as an expanded curriculum that would enable youth to access educational programs, cyber-connect with other sites, and get more learning resources within and outside the United States. Best Buy also installed new technology throughout the NANAY Center to facilitate group learning and enhance NANAY?s ability to connect with and utilize external resources.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr.  shared the story of Harlem kids connecting with US soldiers In Afghanistan that was made possible through the latest technology ? which is now available through this new after-school youth program at NANAY Community Center. He stressed the importance of public/private partnership in serving our community, and emphasized the need to reach out to deserving youth who might become future community leaders, political figures, scientists and engineers because of the opportunity that is being provided to them at the NANAY Community Center ? in partnership with Best Buy, Magic Johnson Foundation and the City of North Miami.

 

North Miami City Mayor Andre Pierre presents Magic Johnson with Key to the City. (L-R: NANAY Executive Director Evelyn Bruce, NANAY Exec VP-COO Bennie Trinidad, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime, NANAY President Joy Bruce, Magic Johnson, North Miami Mayor Andre Pierre, Best Buy Miami District Services Manager John Robinson.)

 

Best Buy Geek Squad HEA Sid Ciprian and Magic Johnson with some of the Youth who will be participating in Best Buy-Magic Johnson Connected Classroom at NANAY Community Center.

?NANAY will continue to provide quality services and address problems in our community through partnership with government, business, civic associations, the medical community, law enforcement, schools, faith-based groups, and local residents,? said Dr. Joy Bruce, NANAY President. ?Our goal is to serve as a catalyst for new initiatives that will strengthen families and improve the well-being of youth and elders in our community.?

Bennie Trinidad, NANAY Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, reports that ? NANAY?s service partnership with Best Buy is an initiative created out of its ongoing partnership with Magic Johnson Foundation which began in 2006, when NANAY was selected as a recipient of Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Center Grant?.

?This is a program that has been created to provide not only technology access to inner-city communities but also education regarding Information Technology to the underserved urban population, in conjunction with program partners like NANAY?, said Jeanella Blair, program director with the Magic Johnson Foundation Technology Initiative.

Through this innovative program, NANAY will be partnering with Lauren?s Kids, a South Florida-based non-profit organization that educates adults and children about sexual abuse topics through in-school curriculum, community awareness and internet education, and helps survivors heal with guidance and support through its 24-hour Crisis Hotline (www.laurenskids.org)

NANAY also plans to utilize its new technology program in developing potential partnership with Panzou, a Miami-based nonprofit organization that provides intervention programs to prevent gang violence, teenage pregnancy and teen suicide through best practices in prevention, intervention, suppression and re-entry (http://www.panzouproject.org)

ABOUT NANAY

NANAY, Inc. (National Alliance to Nurture the Aged and the Youth) is a 501(c)3 community-based organization that was established in 1994 to promote the health, welfare and well being of elders, youth and community (www.nanay.com) . NANAY Community Economic Development Corporation (NANAY-CEDC) is a non-profit affiliate of NANAY whose mission is to promote workforce and provide community development programs, affordable housing, counseling and education to low-moderate income families, minorities and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities. NANAY is a member of the Asian American Federation of Florida, a Statewide non-profit organization that provides a channel for communication among its Asian American organizational members and promotes civic, education, cultural and social empowerment for Asian Americans in Florida (www.asianamericanfederation.org)

ABOUT BEST BUY CO., INC.

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) is a leading multi-channel global retailer and developer of technology products and services. Every day Best Buy employees ?180,000 strong ? are committed to helping deliver the technology solutions that enable easy access to people, knowledge, ideas and fun. The Company is keenly aware of its role and impact on the world, and is committed to developing and implementing business strategies that bring sustainable technology solutions to its consumers and communities. For information about Best Buy, visit www.bby.com.

ABOUT MAGIC JOHNSON FOUNDATION

The Magic Johnson Foundation was established in 1991 as a single-disease organization that worked to raise funds for community-based organizations dealing with HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs. The Foundation since expanded the mission to focus on developing programs and supporting community-based organizations that address broader educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities. Learn more at www.magicjohnson.org .

ABOUT MAGIC JOHNSON ENTERPRISES

Magic Johnson Enterprises, formed in 1987, serves as a catalyst for community and economic empowerment by making available high-quality entertainment, products and services that answer the demands of ethnically diverse urban communities. Through investment, partnership and consultation, Magic Johnson Enterprises has a portfolio of companies that strategically work together to reinforce the organization's focus on serving emerging, multicultural communities. Learn more at www.magicjohnson.com .

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