PHILADELPHIA, PA. August 28, 2003 - MYX: Multicultural Youth eXchange, a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization that promotes tolerance among youth, both locally and around the world, announced a fun-filled lineup of entertainment and guest appearances by prominent Philadelphians during its fundraising event on First Friday, September 5, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. The public is welcome to attend.

Entitled Y PHILLY: An Identity Mural by Philadelphia's Youth Generation, this event will offer local residents of ages nine to 24 - Philadelphia's Generation Y - the opportunity to capture the spirit of their city and their youth culture in an original work of art which will be presented as a gift to the people of Incheon, Korea in 2004.

Several guests of honor, including Phlex from the Philadelphia Phantoms, will kick off the mural painting at 6:00 PM. Councilwoman-at-Large, Blondell Reynolds Brown, and First Deputy Director of Commerce, Mjenzi Traylor, will also be on hand to put the first brush stokes on the canvas.

Live street performances will keep the crowds entertained from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. First up is a chorale performance by 30 members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Boys Choir. S.A.G.E Promotions, a local concert promoter and talent resource that promotes social awareness, youth development and assistance for the underprivileged, will showcase an anti-smoking, hip-hop youth duo, as well as adult musicians.

"My artists and I are delighted to join MYX in this event because our mission is to free minds and heal hearts through the arts," said S.A.G.E. founder, Rafik. Youth singers from the local Korean community are also expected to perform.

The evening will continue with a sports raffle featuring a Philadelphia Phantoms Family Fun Pack and autographed memorabilia courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies, Flyers and KiXX. Afterwards, jCharvet will spin Soul and Latin Lounge. "The diverse entertainment at our Y PHILLY event reflects the celebration of diverse cultures that MYX stands for," said MYX co-founder and director, Josette Bonafino. "We've put together a little something for everyone to enjoy."

Guests can also enjoy feel good food by CafŽ Rx and beverages by Elliott's Amazing Juices and Drinks, the Pepsi Bottling Company and Yards Brewing Company. Unlimited food and beverage will be offered with a $10 donation from adult guests and a $5 donation from guests under 21.

Participation in the mural painting is free of charge and no particular artistic skills are required. Art supplies will be provided at the MYX Gallery, or guests may bring their own.

Proceeds raised during the fundraiser will go to support MYX's multicultural workshops, which are offered after school, free of charge, to Philadelphia-area students.

Members of Philadelphia's Generation Y can stop by and contribute to the mural on September 5, between 6-9 PM, September 6, between 3-7 PM, and September 7, between 12-3 PM. MYX will also arrange special mural painting sessions for school and youth groups between September 8 and 13.

Y PHILLY is being organized in conjunction with the Sister Cities Program of Philadelphia, which is administered by the International Visitors Council of Philadelphia, a non-profit, international relations and business organization for the Philadelphia region.

Additional sponsors of Y PHILLY include the Philadelphia Women's Caucus for Art, Tattar-Richards - DBC Public Relations, Culture Quest, I-SITE, Inc., the Drexel Triangle and Taws Presentation Plus.

ABOUT THE MULTICULTURAL YOUTH EXCHANGE
MYX: Multicultural Youth eXchange (www.myxworld.org) is a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization that facilitates cross-cultural communication among youth within the community and around the world to promote global tolerance. Since Spring 2002, MYX has taught diversity to young people through exciting quarterly youth art exhibits and art-based, multicultural workshops at the MYX Gallery. MYX was formed in direct response to the tragedies of September 11, 2001.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL VISITORS COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA
IVC (www.ivc.org) is an international relations and business organization that works in partnership with the U.S. State Department to make friends with the world's new leaders and develop relationships for Philadelphia-area businesses and cultural and educational institutions. IVC also administers Philadelphia's Sister Cities Program, which links the City with ten cities in nine countries. IVC is part of the national network of councils whose work of "citizen diplomacy" was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.