VIP POWERNET TO SPONSOR THE BLACK HERITAGE SOCIETY'S 24th ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WEEKEND CELEBRATION

HOUSTON (January 18, 2002) - VIP PowerNet, an independent technology company dedicated to leveraging technology expertise to raise funds for non-profit organizations, will be a premier sponsor of the Black Heritage Society's (BHS) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Celebration. Taking place in downtown Houston January 19-21, the event incorporates the Martin Luther King Jr. "DREAMFEST" Festival and the Martin Luther King Jr. parade.

"We are delighted VIP PowerNet has chosen to be a sponsor of this event," said Barry Thompson, senior advisor of the Black Heritage Society. "The company's generosity will allow us to extend our reach to people who are interested in learning more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of promoting racial harmony."

VIP PowerNet's support of the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is part of the company's ongoing effort to build a networked community that fosters the growth of non-profit organizations such as the BHS.

"We feel very honored to participate in and contribute to a cause that champions cultural diversity and the coming together of people," said Dinesh Shukla, founder and CEO of VIP PowerNet. "Through our involvement in the celebration and with other non-profit activities we are striving to make a difference in the non-profit community by helping non-profit organizations raise revenues and meet their objectives. VIP PowerNet supports the plight of the BHS to respect and remember Martin Luther King Jr.'s contributions to our society and we are proud to contribute to his memory."

VIP PowerNet is helping non-profits through its recently launched VIP PowerNet Internet access service. VIP PowerNet is a new, easy-to-use, feature-rich Internet access service designed to provide users enhanced online experiences while generating funds for non-profit organizations.

A large portion of the subscriber's monthly fee is donated by VIP PowerNet to the non-profit of the subscriber's choice.

About the Black Heritage Society

Black Heritage Society, Inc. is a local non-profit 501-(d)3 self help organization. The organization has endeavored to keep Dr. King's dream alive. Dr. King was a champion of cultural diversity representing people regardless of their race, color, nationality or creed. Black Heritage Society Inc. is one of the original organizations that kicked off the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

About VIP PowerNet

VIP PowerNet is an independent technology company with an innovative concept of leveraging technology to raise funds for non-profit organizations. VIP PowerNet provides a comprehensive suite of tools including its independent browser for Internet access, Web hosting and domain registration. VIP PowerNet offers its services directly from its site. For information regarding VIP PowerNet's services, visit the company's Web site at http://www.vippn.com.

Editor's note: VIP PowerNet will have a booth at the Martin Luther King Jr. Festival located in at Tranquility Park from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.