Feature News

Spring 2009 Fundraiser Dedicated to Supporting at-risk DC Charter School students

Theme of this year's event honors "heroes and Sheroes"

WASHINGTON, April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The lights will be shining brightly at the Historic Lincoln Theatre in DC during the evening of April 30, 2009, as the See Forever Foundation, in support of the Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools, kicks off its 12th annual spring fundraiser.

"This year, the theme of our fundraiser is 'Celebrating Heroes and Sheroes' - in honor of the many extraordinary individuals and organizations who support our schools and who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make a positive impact on the well-being of the students who attend the Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools," noted Lucretia Murphy, Executive Director for the See Forever Foundation. "We are looking to bring the talents of our students to the forefront while simultaneously celebrating all of the hard work that our amazing supporters contribute day in and day out," she added.

Highlights of the April 30 event include:

• The first-ever "Maya Way" awards, which will be presented to national leaders and local heroes and sheroes who exemplify the courage, compassion, tenacity and strength of the school's namesake, Dr. Maya Angelou.
• Winners of this year's "Maya Way" awards, many of whom will be in attendance, include: Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, Sheila C. Johnson, Quincy Jones, Ted Leonsis, Dr. Toni Morrison, and Dr. Ian Smith.
• A very special "Visionary Award" will be presented to the founders of the See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools - including: Reid Weingarten, David Domenici, and James Foreman, Jr.

Founded in 1997 as a multi-faceted, comprehensive educational program for 20 Washington DC-based, at-risk students, the See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Public Charter School now supports hundreds of high school and middle school students as they pursue successful academic paths via a "life enriching" alternative education school in the District of Columbia. With a core goal of creating learning communities in lower income urban areas where all students, particularly those who have not succeeded in traditional schools, can reach their potential, at Maya Angelou, the students develop the academic, social, and employment skills needed to build rewarding lives and promote positive change in their communities.

Each spring, with the support and attendance of Dr. Maya Angelou herself, the See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Public Charter School hosts a dazzling and memorable fundraiser to ensure the continued success of its students' educational needs.

Contributions for this event are now being accepted ONLINE. To make your online donation, please visit: http://seeforever.org/EVENTS/HeroesSheroes/attendEvent.html

To donate by telephone, contact the See Forever Foundation's Development Department: (202) 797-8250 during business hours

A schedule of contributions is as follows:

• $300, admits one to the VIP Reception & Program
• $200, admits one to the General Reception & Program
• $100, admits one to the Program Only

April 30 Celebration and Event Schedule:

• 5:00 p.m. -- VIP & General Receptions
• 7:15 p.m. -- Main Stage Program (late entry permitted at designated intervals)
• 8:30 p.m. - Special Toast to Dr. Maya Angelou and winners of our first-ever "Maya Way" awards

Interested Media: please contact Eileen Bramlet at EileenBramlet@aol.com or via 703.927.2022 for press credentialing.

About the See Forever Foundation - Each year, the See Forever Foundation - the nonprofit organization that exists solely to support the programs and services of the Maya Angelou Public Charter School system - hosts a fundraiser in support of the schools' important educational programs and wraparound services for at-risk students. To find out how you can support the work of Dr. Angelou's schools as a sponsor or volunteer, contact our Development Director Ingrid Padgett via telephone at (202) 797-8250, or email at ipadgett@seeforever.org.