Educational Foundation launches 2011 ‘One Million Reasons’ campaign

From AAPSNews Service

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation kicked off its 2011 One Million Reasons Campaign this month to raise money for programs that directly impact students in the district.

AAPSEF 2011 Campaign Launch
Members of the community attended the March 10 launch of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation 2011 fundraising campaign at the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop. Pictured from left are AAPSEF Board Chairwoman Helen Starman; IMRA American Human Resources Director Ken Castel; and AAPSEF Executive Director Wendy Correll.

For a second year, the AAPSEF is taking a bold stand, working to raise $1 million to help fund programs that could be cut because of anticipated state budget cuts and a lack of educational resources.

“The prospect of a $15 million budget reduction for the next academic year – and limited options for improving revenues – will have significant impact on programs for students in our schools,” said AAPSEF Executive Director Wendy Correll. She noted that the AAPS Educational Foundation and its One Million Reasons campaign offer the community a way to continue these vital programs.

The inaugural 2010 campaign was a great success, with several hundred supporters donating more than $335,000, according to Correll. This represents more than the Foundation has ever raised in any annual period. The board of AAPSEF anticipates conducting this campaign annually until funding for innovative programs in the Ann Arbor schools meets the needs of all students, Correll added.

Historically, the foundation funded  new, innovative programs in schools.  But recent and persistent budget reductions in education have prompted the foundation to consider funding existing programs that have advanced student achievement and development, Correll said.

The launch of this year’s fundraising campaign took place at an evening event March 8 at the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop, where the thrift shop Board of Directors made an initial substantial gift of $10,000 to help launch this year’s campaign. Another $3,000 was pledged by the Ann Arbor Dykema law practice and $8,000 was received from individual donors at the kickoff event.

Last year, the PTO Thrift Shop donated $100,000, IMRA America gave $50,000 to support math and science programs and another $25,000 donation was made in memory of Dr. James A. Norton Jr. to match AAPS employee donations to the campaign.

All proceeds from the 2011 campaign will be directed to the Ann Arbor Public School’s 2011-12 academic year.  Donate online by visiting the AAPS Educational Foundation website, or by sending a check payable to AAPSEF at 2555 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104.

Contact Correll with questions or to get involved with the One Million Reasons campaign at 734-994-1969 or email  wcorrell@aapsef.org.

The AAPS Educational Foundation is an independent nonprofit committed to helping all Ann Arbor Public Schools students achieve their highest potential by providing community support for innovative and excellent educational opportunities.

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