Muhammad Ali Center Receives Multi-Million Dollar Gift

The Muhammad Ali Center is proud to announce a major long-term commitment to the Center, which will generate annual income equivalent to a $5 million gift to its endowment fund. The anonymous donor has established a special fund with a foundation that will provide $250,000 annually to the Center for 20 years beginning in 2004. This significant gift represents the opportunity for the Center to successfully sustain itself programmatically and operationally for many generations to come.

Ina Bond, Chairwoman of the Muhammad Ali Center said, "We are extremely grateful for this generous gift, as it offers a tremendous boost to our campaign." The Center, which is currently in the midst of its $41 million capital campaign, is committed to reaching its goal of raising an additional $8 million by its spring 2003 groundbreaking of the 93,000 square foot facility in downtown Louisville. Michael Fox, President /CEO, is hopeful that the anonymous gift will be an impetus for other individuals and foundations from across the nation to support the Center's $20 million endowment fund goal while also increasing awareness of the mission, value, and global reach of the new institution, as will be supported by the recent appointment of broadcast journalist Larry King to the organization's National Advisory Board.

"We are already in the business of developing significant partnerships and programming that have had recent impact on our community and beyond," Fox said. Through its partnership with the University of Louisville's Institute for Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution, the Center has already begun to co-sponsor a lecture series on an array of topics centered around international peace. Along with its youth partner, New York City-based SHiNE (Seeking Harmony in Neighborhoods Everyday), the Center is planning its first joint initiative-a teen Club Program-that is slated for launch in mid-October. Louisville, along with New York City and the Philadelphia region, are the only three locations around the country chosen for this national pilot program. It will be one of SHiNE's many programs across the nation that engages young people in interactive, entertaining and mind-opening experiences.

In addition, the Ali Center has a partnership with the United Nations and is currently developing an association with the Commonwealth of Nations, representing 54 nations around the world. Last week in New York City, the Center co-sponsored programming for a vigil service for the September Eleventh Families for a Peaceful Tomorrows organization. Ali Center staff members also participated locally on the "Louisville Remembers 9/11" educational sub-committee.

"We are eager to show the community how the Center's programs will help shape a better world for all of us," said Fox, "and provide guidance for achieving personal greatness." Earlier this summer, the institution held its first community-wide event, Promises, which opened the doors for assimilating respect, hope, and understanding into our lives as they relate to people who are "different" than ourselves. The Center is also in year two of a three-year initiative, World Rhythms-Real People, sponsored by the General Electric Fund. The Program, through its collaboration with the Kentucky Center for the Arts and Jefferson County Public Schools, is a comprehensive multi-cultural educational program that addresses diversity and tolerance through a multi-dimensional and multi-cultural educational experience.

"All of these activities and programs," said Fox, "are in keeping with the ideals and beliefs of Muhammad Ali, whose compassion for people transcends across cultures and international borders." Next week in New York, Ali, along with the City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg, will receive the 2002 Global Leadership Award presented by United Nations' Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan. The Muhammad Ali Center for the Advancement of Humanity Worldwide is an international cultural and educational institution that is guided and inspired by the ideals of Muhammad Ali as they relate to our individual lives. Through the use of interactive technology, exhibits, and multimedia theatre, in a non-traditional museum experience, the Center will translate the values and milestones of Muhammad Ali's life into an awareness on the part of the visitors that they have the same potential to shape their lives-and the world-as did Muhammad Ali. The Center will open in mid-2004.