Mexico Money Transfer Services Contributes $15,000 to
                        Mexican Cultural Organization

    ATLANTA, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Western Union Financial Services, Inc.,
leading provider of rapid money transfer services to Mexico, announced today
that it has created a strategic partnership with The Mexican Center, the non-
profit cultural component of the Mexican Consulate in Atlanta.
    As part of its commitment, Western Union presented The Mexican Center with
a check for $15,000 at a news conference today at the Mexican Consulate in
Atlanta.  The funds will allow Western Union to serve as a Platinum Sponsor of
The Mexican Center's cultural and educational programs for the remainder of
1997 and 1998.
    "Western Union is very proud to support the programs of The Mexican Center
in Atlanta, much like we have done with its sister organizations in New York
and Los Angeles," said Armando Martin, senior vice president.  Western Union
Mexico Money Transfer.  "These programs play a very important role in helping
preserve Mexican culture in the U.S. and help recent immigrants acclimate to
life in their new country."
    "Western Union provides a critical linkage between Mexicans in Atlanta and
their families back home," said Sam Zamarripa, president of The Mexican
Center.  "In fact, our community depends on Western Union to help fulfill its
familial obligations.  It's an important role that not very many companies can
claim.  Given their importance to our community, we are very pleased that
Western Union has chosen to give something back to the community through The
Mexican Center."
    Western Union is beginning its support by co-sponsoring The Mexican
Center's Dia de la Muerte (Day of the Dead) festivities at the Atlanta History
Center on November 1 & 2, from noon to 6:00 p.m. each day.  The Dia de la
Muerte event will feature live entertainment, including world renowned Aztec
dancer, Javier Alarcon.  The Governor of Oaxaca, Mexico and the Secretary of
Tourism from Oaxaca are scheduled to attend as well.  The event also will
feature traditional Mexican foods and vendors.
    The central focus of the Dia de la Muerte event is the display of altars
made by family members to honor their loved ones.  The tributes are elaborate
works of art adorned with personal memorabilia, foods and treasures.  Far from
a sad event, the belief is that the souls of the deceased are present and the
gifts are tokens of love and respect.
    "Dia de la Muerte is a very special day in the Mexican community," said
Martin.  "We are very pleased to begin our support by bringing this unique
celebration to the people of Atlanta."
    The Mexican Center is a non-profit organization that actively promotes and
organizes activities to generate greater cultural interaction between Mexican
and other Atlanta residents.  The Center maintains close ties with the Mexican
Consulate and other centers around the United States.  The Consul General of
Mexico, the Honorable Teodoro Maus, is the Honorary President of the Center.
    Western Union provides rapid money transfer from the U.S. to Mexico and
more than 130 other countries worldwide.  Famous for its pioneering telegraph
services, the original Western Union dates back to 1851 and introduced the
first electronic money transfer service in 1871.  In 1995, the company became
part of First Data Corporation (NYSE: FDC) which maintains its primary
operating facilities in Atlanta.

Link to this page: