(AANEWSWIRE)WASHINGTON, D.C. - In commemoration of Dr. King's birthday and to ensure Dr. King's legacy lives on for generations to come, the Exelon Foundation presented a $1 million donation to the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. Frank M. Clark, Exelon Foundation Board Member and Chairman and CEO of ComEd, a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, presented the check to Memorial Foundation President and CEO Harry E. Johnson at Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's Inauguration reception at the National Press Club.

Frank M. Clark and Harry E. Johnson "Today, we honor the work and words of Dr. King and the values he held so dear - tireless determination, steadfast courage, and unconditional equality for all," Clark said. "The Exelon Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that promote diversity as a philosophy of acceptance. For Dr. King, that philosophy was a way of life. We hope our donation inspires others to follow suit, and we look forward to sharing Dr. King's convictions through a universal and eternal symbol of his life and legacy."

The check presentation took place at a reception hosted by Herman "Skip" Mason, the 33rd General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Dr. King's fraternity. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity originated the idea of creating a memorial to King on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The reception honored Dr. King along with family members of other firsts in African American history including Martin and Bernice King, Thurgood Marshall, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, and Mrs. Jackie (Rachel) Robinson.

"It is fitting that we are celebrating the Exelon Foundation's support to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial on Dr. King's national holiday and the eve of this historic Presidential Inauguration," said Mason.

"I am honored that the Exelon Foundation has joined the Memorial Foundation's family of supporters, and I hope that other foundations, corporations and individuals will follow its lead," said Johnson.

The Exelon Foundation is an independent, non-profit philanthropic organization funded solely by Exelon Corporation, an energy company. The Foundation seeks out and supports initiatives that create awareness of the civic and social benefits of diversity and the importance of understanding tolerance. Its $1 million donation will help to create a memorial that will honor Dr. King's contributions to world peace through non-violent social change. The Foundation is the first electric utility-funded organization to donate to the memorial.

The Exelon Foundation also will serve as one of the lead sponsors of the February 17th Chicago Dream Dinner, which will raise a portion of the remaining funds to build the Memorial. Clark, along with John W. Rowe, Exelon Foundation Chairman and Exelon Corporation Chairman and CEO, will serve as Dinner Co-Chairs.

The Memorial Foundation has raised $104 million of the needed $120 million.