Raleigh – Major investments from area corporations have put Wake Education Partnership’s 2008 campaign at 50.7 percent of its goal, campaign chair announced at this morning’s Kick-Off Celebration event to launch the public phase of the campaign.
Wake Education Partnership kicked off its 2008 Annual Campaign for Public Education at a breakfast meeting at 8 a.m. at the Cardinal Club led by Scott Custer, Chairman and CEO of RBC Centura Bank. The event was sponsored by RBC Centura Bank.
The following companies announced leadership gifts to Wake Education Partnership at the event:
- Progress Energy: $75,000
- Time Warner Cable: $50,000
- RBC Centura: $31,500
- Kids ‘n Community Foundation: $25,000
- GlaxoSmithKline: $25,000
- Closure Medical: $20,000
- Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce: $15,000
- MeadWestvaco: $10,000
“As this year’s Campaign Chair, I am very pleased to be representing this vital resource in public education – Wake Education Partnership,” said Scott Custer, CEO and Chairman of RBC Centura Bank. “My role is to heighten awareness and garner support for the many programs and initiatives the Partnership implements during the year. By mobilizing our community of investors, we continue to build upon its 25 years of dedication to the public school children of Wake County.”
The campaign, which plans to raise $1 million by June 30, funds Wake Education Partnership’s work to ensure world-class public education in Wake County through business and community involvement. Companies and individuals from across Wake County attended the Kick-Off Celebration in support of the Partnership. Other companies recognized at the event for their gifts to Wake Education Partnership included First Citizens Bank, Golden Corral and Clancy & Theys Construction Company.
“Wake Education Partnership is dedicated to advocating for excellence in the Wake County Public School System,” said Dr. Ann Denlinger, president of Wake Education Partnership. “With continuous support from our business community, we can ensure that our children are well-prepared for the future!”
Presenters at the meeting included campaign chair Custer; Wake Education Partnership Board of Directors Fund Development Vice-Chair, Brooks Raiford, director of business development with Balfour Beatty Construction; President of the Partnership, Dr. Ann Denlinger and Fuquay-Varina High School English teacher and Regional Teacher of the Year, Paige Elliott.
Elected officials, including Board of Commissioners Chair Joe Bryan and Board of Education member Patti Head, also spoke at the meeting.
Wake Education Partnership is an advocacy organization dedicated to making world-class schools possible in Wake County through business and community involvement. We play a critical role in bringing people together, raising the level of discussion through capacity building, and brokering information and relationships around key issues in public education. Programs for 2007-08 focus on retaining effective teachers, developing effective education leaders, and ensuring healthy schools for all students. For more information, please visit www.WakeEdPartnership.org.
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