2007-09-07
H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest Commits $45,000 to Perspectives
Philadelphia, PA—September 7, 2007—Philadelphia philanthropist H. F. (Gerry) Lenfest has committed a three-year, $45,000 grant to Perspectives Debate Inc. Beginning this year, Mr. Lenfest will provide a $5,000 grant and $10,000 challenge grant, annually for three years. The funds will be used to continue the growth of Perspectives' activities, including its two principal projects: afterschool debate programs in Philadelphia public schools and a summer enrichment program.
Mr. Lenfest has been a long-standing supporter of Perspectives, providing the initial $21,000 angel grant to found Perspectives. This recent $45,000 commitment is a continuation of his support for youth debate education and recognizes Perspectives as a key organization in the achievement of that goal. Perspectives plans to embark on a fundraising drive to leverage the annual $10,000 challenge grant provided by Mr. Lenfest and build a broad network of supporters.
Mr. Lenfest is a former debater himself, having debater during college at Washington and Lee University. In matters of giving, Mr. Lenfest has said that "Education is our central theme. If you have humility, integrity and a good education, there is nothing that you can't be." Lenfest has committed funds to a number of educational programs, including the Lenfest College Scholarships Program, which provides scholarships and counsel for selected Pennsylvania students to attend academically-challenging colleges and universities, as well as the Teach For America program in Philadelphia. Mr. Lenfest's philanthropic efforts is unmatched and Perspectives graciously thanks Mr. Lenfest for his continued support.
Perspectives is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2005 by college students now at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University, who are former debaters themselves. Perspectives was begun with an angel grant from H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest and has since been supported by the Samuel S. Fels Fund, the Phoebe Haas Charitable Trust "A" as recommended by Carole Haas Gravagno, the Philadelphia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and many others. Since its founding, Perspectives has educated students from 30 schools in 8 states, with the majority of students from the Philadelphia region. See www.philadebate.org for more details.
Contact:
Alexander McCobin
Perspectives Debate Inc.
alex@philadebate.org
(717) 873-2528
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Perspectives is a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization promoting youth debate education. Students who debate dramatically increase their reading comprehension, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. In the process, debate becomes a forum to foster youth achievement and civic responsibility. Perspectives has worked with over 400 students in 8 states through afterschool, summer, and special events. www.philadebate.org