CHARACTERplus 2006 Fundraising Campaign Surpasses Its Goal
Over 220 individuals, foundations, and corporations help to raise $600,000
CHARACTER plus, a division of Cooperating School Districts of Greater St. Louis, Inc., reached its 2006 fundraising goal of $600,000.
CHARACTERplus fundraising events began in 1997 with a major fundraising campaign held every three years. Monies raised from individuals, foundations and corporations provide daily character education for students in the St. Louis metropolitan region.
The 2006 campaign kicked off November 29, 2005 with St. Louisans Jerry and Peggy Ritter serving as campaign chairs. Through their time and efforts and with the strong, continuous support of Sandy McDonnell, chairman emeritus of McDonnell Douglas and founder of CHARACTERplus, the 2006 goal was reached this month.
Over 220 individuals, foundations, and corporations made generous contributions totaling $600,150. Emerson has pledged $75,000 over the next three years. “The 45 school districts that we provide character education services to are grateful that the St. Louis region realizes the value of CHARACTERplus,” explains Liz Gibbons, director of CHARACTERplus. “This funding will continue the effort to create caring schools where students have a sense of autonomy, belonging and competence.”
CHARACTERplus®, an initiative of Cooperating School Districts, is devoted to advancing the cause and importance of character education by uniting the school, home, and community as partners. CHARACTERplus was established in 1988 and provides quality training, resources, and leadership to help parents and educators accomplish one of their most important jobs – the character development of the next generation. CHARACTERplus reaches over 275,000 students in 45 school districts in the St. Louis area.
