Mount Airy, NC (Grassroots Newswire) March 18, 2008 - Goody's Family Clothing in Mount Airy today recognized Flat Rock Elementary as a finalist in its inaugural Good Deeds for Schools grant program. The newly created program is designed to help local schools pay for the things they really need but cannot afford through regular education funding.
Flat Rock Elementary's grant proposal requested fitness equipment and was selected by a panel of judges who work at the local Goody's store. The school's proposal is now in the final round of judging at the Goody's corporate headquarters, vying for one of 50 $10,000 grants the company will award in April. In appreciation for its efforts, the school will receive volunteer hours from its local Goody's store management.
More than a thousand applications were received from schools in 20 states requesting assistance for projects integral to enhancing students' educational experience. Appeals focused on needs such as playgrounds, technology equipment including computers and interactive tools, and updated textbooks and library books.
"Every need in our schools is so worthwhile; Goody's is thrilled to have the opportunity to lend a hand through the advent of this new school grant program," said Mary Beth Fox, Goody's vice president of marketing, strategy and planning. "The store associates in particular were so eager to reach out to the schools. Goody's associates are truly dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve, and children are the primary focus of that mission. In reviewing the grant entries, it's been inspiring to learn about these schools, their children, and their dreams."
Goody's will award half a million dollars in grants to K-12 schools in Goody's communities through the program, funded in part by proceeds from the sale of Ashley Judd's new clothing line, available exclusively at Goody's.
"It was very important to me that this line of clothing -- while providing simple, lovely wardrobe solutions for women -- would also contribute to a greater good," said Ashley Judd. "Children are our future, and a good educational experience is their birthright; fostering that notion is at the heart of this program. This type of community involvement is a fundamental part of why I chose to be in business with Goody's."
To apply for consideration for the coming school year, teachers or school principals can obtain a grant application after April 15 from their local
Goody's or online at www.goodysgooddeeds.com. Completed applications must
be signed by a school principal and submitted to a Goody's location by November 1, 2008. A complete list of 2007-2008 winners can also be found on the site.
Applicants will be required to demonstrate their school's need and a plan for fulfilling that need, as well as make a clear, concise argument as to
why their classroom, project or school is the most deserving. Schools are also encouraged to flex their creativity and imagination when developing their entries for consideration, and to involve the entire student body in the process.
For more information on Goody's Good Deeds for Schools, call 1-877-784-3030 or visit www.goodysgooddeeds.com.
About Goody's Family Clothing With headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn., Goody's is a retailer of moderately priced family apparel operating more than 370 stores in the 21 states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Goody's Holdings, Inc., is a privately held company owned by GMM Capital LLC and PGDYS LLC; Prentice Capital Management is the managing
member of PGDYS. For more information on Goody's, visit
www.shopgoodys.com.
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