Why is Communities In Schools Important to North Carolina?

Please take some time to watch this video……….

Linda Harrill talks to News14 about the Drop Out Crisis in North Carolina

Friday, August 1, 2008

Group calls on public for dropout help
07/31/2008 03:03 PM
By: Tracey Early

RALEIGH – Latest state statistics show that more than 23,000 students dropped out of high school in the 2006-2007 school year.

But the nonprofit group Communities in Schools of North Carolina wants to change that. They’re calling on the public to get more involved in dropout prevention — not only to keep kids in school, but to keep them out of gangs.

To see the video – please click here – News 14 Carolina’s Tracy Early sat down with Linda Harrill, president of Communities in Schools of North Carolina, to talk about the program, its intentions and how the public can help.

CIS of Brunswick County – Communities in Schools holding Benefit Gala for Children on Oct. 16

7/31/2008

The Leland Tribune

SOUTHPORT, N.C .— Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. (CIS) is holding its 7th Annual Benefit Gala for Children on Thursday, October 16 at Sea Trail Golf Resort and Convention Center. The black tie event will feature live and silent auctions and entertainment by The 360 Degrees. Jon Evans, news anchor for WECT-TV6 and WSFX-TV26 in Wilmington, will serve as master of ceremonies.

The Benefit Gala for Children is the cornerstone fundraiser for CIS, whose mission is to champion the connection of needed community resources with schools to help young people successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for life. The funds generated by the gala will support children and families of Brunswick County through academic scholarships, afterschool programs, teen and peer courts, the Adopt-A-School and Volunteer Program, Family Resource Centers, the Family Literacy Center and Parenting Education Programs.

A highlight of the evening is “A Taste of Brunswick County,” which will showcase cuisine from the finest restaurants in the area. Among the restaurants stepping up to the plate are Art Catering, Angelo’s Pizzeria, Baked with Love, Bart’s BBQ, The Boundary House, Carmella’s, Charlie Macgrooders, Gaetano’s Fine Italian Dining, The Isles, Magnolia’s Fine Food and Spirits, Plaza Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant, Port City Java, Provision Company, The Purple Onion Café, Sunset Slush Classic Italian Ice, SweeDeePie Cheesecakes, Taylor Cuisine Café & Catering, Turtle Island and Twin Lakes. “It’s rewarding to see how willing people and businesses are to give back to the community by participating in the gala,” says Catherine Saia of Sunset Slush, who is taking part in the gala for the third time and is a current CIS board member.

From 2007 to 2008, CIS provided services for 690 children in afterschool programs, 2,571 students received volunteer tutor/mentor support, 126 at-risk students were served in Teen and Peer Court, 23 families with 31 children participated in the Family Literacy Program, 162 adults and 138 children received parenting support services, and 17 graduating high school students received scholarships for college.

David Gooden, an authorized agent for U.S. Cellular Platinum Certified is spearheading this year’s fundraising effort as honorary chair and presenting sponsor. Other local businesses aid this effort via cash donations, in-kind donations and auction items. A host of community volunteers donate their services each year to organize and support the gala. “We value the support of the community as we strive to provide the services our children need to succeed in school and life,” stated Tart.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, donations of auction items, restaurant participation, and general information contact Kimberly Bandera at 457-2916 or kbandera.cis@bizec.rr.com, or visit www.cisbrunswick.org.