| THE RHODE ISLAND CHILDREN'S CRUSADE
NEWS
FOR RELEASE ON: January 15, 2004
Contact: Jonathan Flynn
Senior Communications Officer
Rhode Island Children's Crusade
401-854-5506 x120
NEWLY ENROLLED CRUSADERS TAKE PLEDGE AT STATE HOUSE
Lieutenant Governor Charles Fogarty swears in the children at an event sponsored by Newport Coffee Traders.
Providence, Rhode Island - January 15, 2004 - Today at the Rhode Island State House, approximately 300 newly enrolled members of the Rhode Island Children's Crusade took the Crusade pledge to graduate high school, avoid drugs, early parenthood and trouble with the law while acting as a role model in the community. The children were led in the pledge by Lieutenant Governor Charles Fogarty.
"If Rhode Island is to succeed as a state, we must make every effort to ensure our children have the education they need to take on the challenges of the 21st century," Fogarty said. "Yet, there are far too many children who face enormous obstacles in their environment that make success in school seemingly an overwhelming challenge. Every study shows that children who stay in school, who go to college, will have better lives. They will be healthier, have better paying jobs and brighter futures for their own children. The Children's Crusade has become an invaluable partner in our effort to help our children reach this goal. In fact, the Children's Crusade is one of Rhode Island's great success stories. They are proof that a long-term commitment and years of support and guidance can make the difference between a child who drops out and a child who stays in school and goes on to college. In fact, three years ago the Children's Crusade graduated its first class of students who will now have a chance at a brighter future. And it's all because the Children's Crusade gave these children the extra edge needed to achieve what we all know all kids can achieve with just a little extra help."
Also speaking to the newly enrolled members of the Children's Crusade was Deputy Majority Whip, Representative Charlene Lima.
Newport Coffee Traders sponsored today's ceremony. In a June 2003 press conference, Newport Coffee Traders president Cindy F. Wall made the pledge of 1% of the brand's sales to the Crusade in support of the organization's mission - helping children increase educational success while developing them into responsible, productive members of the community.
"As a mother, I know the importance of a quality education," Ms. Wall said. "Newport Coffee Traders appreciates the great work that the Children's Crusade does for children starting in the 3rd grade. In addition to the donation, Newport Coffee Traders will promote the Crusade on its packaging, through paid media and with its marketing materials."
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Children's Crusade, Mary Sylvia Harrison, said "I'm especially proud of our new group of Crusaders here today. They've come to the State House to publicly declare that they are on the path to higher education. What's really important is that these third graders have the expectation that they will go on to college and the Children's Crusade stands ready to help make that a reality. By coming to the Rotunda to take their pledge, they are demonstrating to the citizens of Rhode Island that, as Crusaders, they have made a positive decision about their futures and are committed to following through on it."
Harrison continued "To have Newport Coffee Traders with us today is fantastic. It shows our Crusaders that the business community believes in their goal to become educated, productive members of society. Cindy Wall and the entire staff at Newport Coffee Traders are examples of what it means to truly be business leaders, to invest their time and resources in a program whose ultimate purpose is to make Rhode Island a better place to live, a better place to work and a better place to run a business."
Today's ceremony comes on the heels of the New England Board of Higher Education announcing that the Rhode Island Children's Crusade will be honored with a state higher education merit award from the regional higher education group. Former U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell is also receiving an award from NEBHE. He is receiving one of two regional New England Higher Education Excellence Awards.
"The Children's Crusade has inspired countless Rhode Island kids to stay in school, stay off drugs and go to college," noted Robert J. McKenna, chairman of the Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority and NEBHE treasurer. "It's an education success story and an economic development success story."
About the Rhode Island Children's Crusade:
The Rhode Island Children's Crusade is an independent, college-access youth service organization with more then 11,000 children in enrolled in grades three through twelve, and more than 800 enrolled in post-secondary institutions with Crusade scholarships. The Crusade's premise is that we can raise the level of expectations for Rhode Island's poorest children. In order to make sure we are reaching those most in need, we partner with elementary public schools in which at least 80% of the student population is eligible for a free or reduced lunch. Children enroll in the third grade and take a pledge to stay in school, work hard, avoid negative influences and serve as a role model in their community. Crusaders participate in a wide variety of enrichment activities designed to get them on and keep them on the path to college. The Crusade provides scholarships for post-secondary education to financially eligible Crusaders. For more information, call 854-5506 x120.
About Newport Coffee Traders:
Newport Coffee Traders, the premium brand of 4th generation, family-owned Autocrat Coffee, is headquartered in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Newport Coffee Traders Coffee is available in Stop & Shop Stores, Dave's Marketplace, and independent grocers and coffee shops around the region. For more information, call 800-288-6272.
About New England Board of Higher Education:
NEBHE is a nonprofit, congressionally authorized agency whose mission is to promote greater educational opportunities and services for the residents of New England. NEBHE programs are principally focused on the relationship between New England higher education and regional economic development.
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