Nov. 28, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Colleen McCall-Palermo Chair,

Committee in Support of Atascadero Public Schools

(805) 712-6125

CAPS Fundraising Effort Nets $126,000 for Atascadero Schools

Midland Pacific Challenge Grant Inspires Community Giving

ATASCADERO ─ Doors to higher learning may open a bit easier for first-generation college students, thanks to a grant program created by a new community group committed to bringing innovative and creative programs to Atascadero public schools. The fledgling Committee in Support of Atascadero Public Schools this fall earned $126,000 in its first-ever fundraising effort for activities like field trips to out-of-the-area colleges for high school students who hope to become the first in their families to attend college. The committee’s Evening for Education fundraiser was a sold-out event, demonstrating the commitment of the Atascadero community to its public schools, said Colleen McCall-Palermo, the committee’s chair. She credited a $20,000 challenge grant from the Midland Pacific Foundation, created by Dennis and Patricia Moresco and Midland Pacific Homes, as “the catalyst” that made the fundraising campaign a huge success. “Midland Pacific’s contribution told everyone that this effort is really viable,” McCall-Palermo said. “We saw an enormous outpouring of contributions after the challenge was announced. The community didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to capitalize on the generous contribution from Midland Pacific.” The nearly 100 grant recipients also include Atascadero High School’s award-winning online literary and arts magazine, with the money going to pay for duplication of the magazine as an actual printed publication. Elementary school teachers received funding for math counting-tools, reading program software and field trips to PCPA and Performing Arts Center performances. Atascadero middle-schoolers are enjoying an upgrade in the school’s fitness programs with new Nautilus machines and fitness cycles. More than $13,000 was raised to support Challenge Day, a national program to stop bullying at all school levels. The CAPS grants fill an important need in the public schools by funding programs that the school district isn’t able to provide, said McCall-Palermo. “Public school funding for a lot of the programs we enjoyed as children has completely dwindled,” she said. “Many times teachers have to dip into their own pockets for supplies and activities. With our efforts, we hope to encourage activities that inspire learning in new and creative ways.” For more information about CAPS, contact McCall-Palermo at (805) 712-6125.