Deborah Penta is a great advocate and friend of Girls Inc!!!
Last week, she heard that enrollment at Girls Incorporated of Worcester’s Camp Kinneywood and In-Town programs (both programs are co-ed in the summer) was down 40% from our very conservative projections based on the struggling economy. Today, Ms. Penta, President of Penta Communications and the Female Leadership Interest Council (FLIC) issued a challenge to the greater Worcester community in support of Girls Inc with a leadership grant of $1,000 toward that goal of $15,000.
As of last Friday we have extended $20K in scholarship and financial support from funds we raised in the past months – but it has merely brushed the surface. To provide more support to our families, we want to raise an additional $15,000 in the next two weeks! Already today, one individual has given $500 to meet the challenge, so we are already 10% of the way to that goal. With your help, we can meet (or exceed!) that goal.
Experiences of summer programs are so very important to our young people, especially those whose families are struggling in this tough economy. Field trips and nature hikes, swimming in our pool or our pond, making crafts and doing science experiments, playing basketball in the gym or bowling on the wii, creating and performing plays or touring Mechanics Hall - high quality summer programs are key ingredients in healthy youth development. Girls Inc’s camp and summer programs are much more than day care – they keep kids busy, exposing them to new projects and inspiring activities that keep their imaginations, bodies and minds active and healthy between the school years. Summer programming engages children and youth in positive activities with peers, which research shows is important to reduce the likelihood of them engaging in negative behaviors.
On behalf of the Board, the staff - but especially on behalf of the children - I ask for your support. Please make checks payable to Girls Inc - Special Summer Scholarships. Every dollar contributed to this appeal will go directly to the scholarships and finacial assistance.
With Sincere Thanks,
Cathi