News Release April 8, 2004

‘OKEMOS CARES' SETS SPRING CAMPAIGN DATES

"Okemos Cares," the Okemos Education Foundation's grass roots school fundraising drive, will return May 1st. Organizers are hoping supporters of the Okemos Public Schools respond as generously as last year, when OEF raised $236,000 that helped save a popular 5th grade strings class, a Gifted and Talented program and others that were originally targeted as cuts.

The Okemos Schools face a projected deficit for the 2004/2005 school year of roughly $3 million. Various programs and staff reduction alternatives will be discussed in coming weeks.

"We're encouraged for several reasons," OEF Chairman Jack Hettiger commented. "In the recent county millage vote, Okemos was one of the districts that voted for the measure. We're confident we can mobilize that support and again save popular programs and quality staff in the 04/05 school year. Also, some $30,000 in donations for this year's campaign were pledged last year. It's creating positive momentum."

OEF will combine a mail appeal with direct solicitation from May 1st until June 15th.

Again, donors will be able to earmark their contributions toward particular areas and programs or donate to an unrestricted fund.

For more information or to volunteer in the "Okemos Cares" effort, contact any Okemos school principal or call 349-9460.