Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope Teams with Best Buy and Magic Johnson

March 14, 2005 -- Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope, a unique goodwill program that gives aid in the form of funding and technology to needy children and families, teams with Best Buy for the 2005 retail product initiative to aid the Magic Johnson Foundation. The promotion will take place at Best Buy stores across the nation from March 13 - April 2, 2005, and will give consumers the opportunity to earn additional Best Buy Reward Zone® program points. A portion of the purchase price of every Samsung purchase will be donated to the Magic Johnson Foundation, and one special school will be selected to participate in Blue Shirts on Court with Magic Johnson.

The Magic Johnson Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for people residing in urban communities through education- and community-based funding. Established in 1991 as a single disease organization focused on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, the foundation has expanded its community work to include other major health issues faced by minorities such as diabetes, hypertension, prostate cancer and youth obesity. The foundation also seeks to bridge the digital divide through scholarships and technology grants to individuals and local organizations.

Now in its fourth year, Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope is an innovative philanthropy program that combines the forces of major national retailers with sports and music legends to benefit children and communities in need. Basketball's Magic Johnson is joined by football's Boomer Esiason, baseball's Joe Torre, golf's Arnold Palmer, and music's Jon Bon Jovi for a unique, retail program that aims to improve the quality of life for children and their families.

"Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope is thrilled to work with Best Buy for the third year in a row to bring Magic to inner-city education," said Peter Weedfald, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. "Last years initiative was a slam dunk, and our various initiatives to date have raised $1.1 million for the Magic Johnson Foundation so far. We anticipate another exciting event that will bring hope, along with necessary funds and technology to improve the future of schools and communities."

The Blue Shirts on Court event rewards employees of the promotions top grossing Best Buy store, and the school of their choice, with the chance to play a pick-up game with Magic Johnson. Students from the school can cheer on their teachers and coaches as they team up with Magic and go head-to-head with the Blue Shirts from Best Buy and Samsung. The students also will have the opportunity to participate in One-on-One with Magic Johnson, an hour-long clinic and mentoring session with the basketball superstar.

"It's a privilege to serve our communities alongside organizations like Samsung and the Magic Johnson Foundation which share our passion for kids, learning and technology," said Mike Linton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "More than ever we see that education and technology can be the deciding factor in success. We're excited to support our communities once again this year."

For more information about Samsungs Four Seasons of Hope, visit www.fourseasonsofhope.com.

SOURCE Samsung Electronics America, Inc.