2008-01-10
Perspectives Raises $50,000+ in Fall/Winter 2007
Philadelphia, PA—January 2007—Perspectives Debate Incorporated, a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has raised $50,000+, since September 2007.
Joining founding supporters including H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest, as well as prior support, including contributions from the Samuel S. Fels Fund, Phoebe Haas Charitable Trust "A", and Philadelphia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, several new foundations have joined Perspectives as donors. These include:
AHS Foundation: 3-year, $18,000 grant
Campbell-Oxholm Foundation: $5,000 grant
Grace S. & W. Linton Nelson Foundation: $3,500 grant
Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation: $2,000 grant
Union Benevolent Association: $1,700 grant
In addition to foundation support, Perspectives held its first Fall Auction which raised $6,700 for programming. Additionally, Perspectives received its first corporate donation from Johnson & Johnson, as well as dozens of donations from individuals at the end of the year.
The outpouring of support for Perspectives’ programs has enabled Perspectives to meet philanthropist H. F. (Gerry) Lenfest’s $10,000 challenge grant for 2007. In late August, Mr. Lenfest committed a three-year, $45,000 grant to Perspectives Debate Inc. Mr. Lenfest will provide a $5,000 grant and $10,000 challenge grant annually for three years.
"We’re extremely proud to receive these grants from such distinguished individuals, foundations, and corporations in the community. Their support truly enables them to be partners in change, in making opportunities available for more students," said Lilly Deng, Co-Founder and Director of Perspectives. "The support we’ve seen from the Philadelphia community and beyond will provide critical funds for Perspectives to continue its programming enable Perspectives to expand. They are all true champions in this effort."
A full list of donors is available.
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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.
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