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STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106 |
M. Jodi Rell Governor |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 27, 2010
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Contact: 860-524-7313
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Gov. Rell: Connecticut Students Raise $100,000
for Ongoing Effort to Help Haitian Schoolchildren
Fundraising to Continue through Oct 30; Money to Go Toward Building New School
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the effort launched in partnership with the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) to help Haitian schoolchildren trying to rebuild their lives after the devastating earthquake in January has raised approximately $100,000 to date. The Governor’s Office and CAS set a fundraising goal of $200,000 and will continue to accept donations through October 30.
Money raised through school fundraisers and other private donations will be designated for building a modern, earthquake-resistant school in Haiti. CAS has been in contact with two philanthropic organizations that have supported their efforts in the past in hopes of securing matching dollars to help build a state-of-the-art-school for Haitian schoolchildren.
“While many students, teachers and staff are finishing up this school year in Connecticut and preparing for their summer vacations, Haitian children are getting what schooling they can during the rainy season under tents and tarps,” said Governor Rell. “Judging by the overwhelming generosity of Connecticut schoolchildren and the continued interest by schools willing to help, they want to make a difference in Haiti particularly when it comes to children their age. We are halfway there to reaching our goal.”
“We believe strongly that we are capable of garnering enough support to build a modern school in Haiti. After what these children have been through over the past several months, providing comfortable and well-equipped schools where they can feel safe and secure is a critical part of rebuilding the country of Haiti,” said Michael Savage, Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Schools. “This is a perfect example of schoolchildren helping schoolchildren who need it most.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation to support this ongoing fundraising effort should make checks payable to the “Connecticut Association of Schools” with notation identifying “Haitian Relief Fund” and bring them or have their children bring them to their respective schools. Parents can also go to any local Bank of America to make a deposit or can send their monies to the CAS for deposit.
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, CAS and the Governor’s Office worked closely in organizing successful fundraising appeals to help people rebuild their lives.