News Release April 28, 2004

OEF TO ANNOUNCE "OKEMOS CARES" FOR 2004

The Okemos Education Foundation will announce the return of its school fundraising campaign, "Okemos Cares," at an Okemos Board of Education meeting next Monday night, May 3rd at 7:30 p.m. The initiative again aims to shrink a projected deficit, this time of approximately $3 million for the 2004-2005 school year.

"Again, schools everywhere are seriously challenged, scrambling to adjust to multi-million dollar funding gaps. And again, OEF intends to play a role in saving classes, teachers and preserving a much-deserved reputation for high quality public education," Hettiger said.

The fundraising organization, which marks its 20th year in 2004, will kick-off a 45-day fundraising drive on May 1st with a series of phone, mail & TV appeals.

"We're encouraged for various reasons," Hettiger added. "Okemos was one of only three communities that voted in favor of the recent county millage. Plus, last year "Okemos Cares" was pledged over $30,000 toward this upcoming campaign. Support for education has traditionally been very high in Okemos."

Last year, the 15-member group spearheaded a similar campaign that raised $236,000 and saved several popular classes, programs & teachers, all of which were targeted for elimination. Donors again will have the option of targeting their contribution to a particular area or to a general fund.

For more information on "Okemos Cares," call 349-9460, extension 5 or visit http://okemos.k12.mi.us and link to "Okemos Cares."