Bell Atlantic Launches Its Foundation With Day of Giving

Bell Atlantic Launches Its Foundation With "Day of Giving"

James Earl Jones to Participate in Three New York Events Oct. 1
to Announce $2.8 Million in Grants for Education and Technology

September 26, 1997

James Earl Jones, Bell Atlantic advertising spokesperson, will join
leaders in business, education and government for a series of
announcements Oct. 1 in New York -- heralding the launch of the new
Bell Atlantic Foundation and Bell Atlantic's commitment to the
communities it serves. U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley,
National Urban League President Hugh Price and New York City Schools
Chancellor Rudy Crew are among the featured speakers.

EVENTS:

9:30 a.m. - $1.5 million in educational grants awarded
64 colleges, universities, public schools and community groups engaged
in educational technology issues will receive Bell Atlantic Excellence
in Education Awards at a breakfast in Manhattan.

11:30 a.m. - $1 million grant announced for Pace University and
National Urban League Pace University and the National Urban League
will receive a $1 million grant for the development of community
technology centers during a luncheon in White Plains.

3 p.m. - $300,000 grant given to The Studio Museum in Harlem
The Studio Museum in Harlem will receive a grant to digitize its
permanent collection during a reception at the museum.

The media are invited to cover any or all of these events. Details
appear on the accompanying page.

BELL ATLANTIC FOUNDATION GRANTS
OCTOBER 1, 1997

9:30 AM
What: Announcement of winners of Bell Atlantic Excellence in
Education Awards. Grants totaling $1.5 million will go to 64
colleges, universities, public schools and community groups
involved with educational technology initiatives in six
states, from New York to Maine.

Who: Richard Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education
Rudy Crew, Chancellor, NYC Board of Education
Ray Smith, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Bell Atlantic
James Earl Jones, Advertising Spokesperson for Bell Atlantic

Where: Bell Atlantic Customer Presentation Center
1095 Avenue of the Americas at 42nd Street (behind the main
building)

Press is invited for breakfast to meet the grant winners at 9:00 AM

11:30 AM
What: Announcement of a $1 million grant to Pace University and the
National Urban League for the development of community
technology centers.

Who: Patricia Ewers, President of Pace University Hugh Price,
President of the National Urban League Ivan Seidenberg, Vice
Chairman, President & Chief Operating Officer, Bell Atlantic
James Earl Jones, Advertising Spokesperson for Bell Atlantic

Where: Lubin Graduate Center, Pace University
1 Martine Avenue, White Plains, NY

Press is invited to lunch from noon to 1:00 PM

3:00 PM
What: Announcement of $300,000 grant to The Studio Museum in
Harlem to digitize its permanent collection and introduce
the "virtual" museum on the Web.
Who: Kinshasha Holman Conwill, Director, The Studio Museum in
Harlem
Ray Smith, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Bell Atlantic
James Earl Jones, Advertising Spokesperson for Bell Atlantic

Where: The Studio Museum in Harlem
144 West 125th Street, New York, NY

Press is invited to a Harlem community reception, attended by local
business and community leaders, at the museum following the
announcement. Photo opportunities with Mr. Smith, Mr. Jones and Ms.
Conwill will be available in the Sculpture Garden.