Donations for school supplies falling short of goal
Nearly three weeks after Mayor Nutter created an education-supplies fund to help strapped city schools, it remains short of its $500,000 goal.
Nearly three weeks after Mayor Nutter created an education-supplies fund to help strapped city schools, it remains short of its $500,000 goal.
To date, the fund, which will also benefit Catholic and charter schools, has brought in about $305,000, including $50,000 from the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Auto Show.
The largest chunk, however, came from the city - $200,000. An additional $30,000 came from the philanthropists John and Janet Haas and $20,000 from the Maguire Foundation, said Mark McDonald, Nutter's spokesman.
In addition, 61 donors gave a total of $4,507 through the website www.Unitedforimpact.org/teachersupplies, and four other individuals sent donations totaling $325.
When the mayor announced the fund, he set the preliminary goal of raising $500,000 by Oct. 15. The fund is to be used to help schools purchase workbooks, paper, and other educational materials.
Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, said the 180 dealerships he represents want to help city students.
In a ceremony at the Convention Center on Thursday, the foundation will present Nutter and School Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. with the check for the $50,000, and also will give out 6,000 winter coats to needy students.
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