News: December 10, 2004

NEWS Update: December 10, 2004

$750,000 anonymous donation positively impacts 16 Minneapolis Public Schools

Donation fulfills critical school needs; new Web site gives advocates opportunity to customize donations

An anonymous donation of $750,000 was granted to 16 Minneapolis Public Schools to fund some of their most critical needs, including text books, musical instruments, paper, computers, and science kits. This surprise announcement was made to school principals during a press conference that unveiled www.ImpactSchools.org, an online giving tool for members of the community to provide direct funding to the school and school program of their choice.

According to Catherine Jordan, president and CEO of Achieve!Minneapolis, "This is a significant donation that gives staff and students at 16 Minneapolis Public Schools a bright opportunity for a successful academic future. The anonymous donor hopes their gift will be a call to action for others to make a gift to the many public schools in need of basic supplies."

Mayor R. T Rybak with principals and representatives from the 16 Minneapolis Public Schools that received grants from an anonymous donor.

Lawson Software's community relations program, in partnership with Achieve!Minneapolis and students from Andersen Elementary School, publicly launched www.ImpactSchools.org, a non-traditional online tool that gives school advocates -- parents, alumni, businesses, and community members -- a choice to donate to a specific program within each school, such as music, computers, sports, or field trips. Ninety-seven percent of every tax-deductible donation goes directly to the school and program of the donor's choice.

"Working with school districts across the nation, we've seen the impact of budget cuts on virtually every district over recent years," said Winston Hewitt, director of community relations at Lawson Software. "With the ImpactSchools program, anyone and everyone can make a direct impact on students' education experiences."