'Doing Good Is Good Business' - Miami Businesses Jump on Board SpendforED to Support Miami-Dade County Public Schools

MIAMI, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for Back-To-School and working hard over the summer vacation, SpendforED (www.spendfored.org) today announced a number of new business supporters and partners in its mission to provide much needed funding to the cash-strapped Miami-Dade County Public Schools.  

To date SpendforED boasts a total of 225 business partners including recently added Dunkin' Donuts, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, Salad Creations, Flower Bazaar, Frankie's Pizza, Crepemaker and Tarpon Bend.  They join well- known establishments Pizza Hut, Milam's Market, Au bon pain, Ibiley School Uniforms, Johnny Rockets and Sudsies.  The Miami Science Museum, Miami Seaquarium and Grove Skate Park have also become SpendforED program partners.

SpendforED is the newest and most innovative non-profit corporation dedicated to raising funds for the financially at-risk Miami-Dade County Public School system by linking local businesses with the community. Officially launched this Spring, SpendforED's ambitious efforts to align local businesses with Miami residents where they shop, dine and do business is paying off.  

"Dunkin' Donuts is very excited to be a partner for SpendforED," said Jeannie Graff, South Florida Field Marketing Manager, Dunkin' Donuts. "With school JUST beginning, we believe this program is a great way to engage with students' parents and grandparents while building a sense of community."

"When we were approached by SpendforED to be part of the program we did not hesitate because it just makes good business sense," says Cristy Leon-Rivero, Vice President of Marketing for Navarro Discount Pharmacy.  "After only a short time we see that the program works, and that people are patronizing us because they can help the schools and support education."

As has been widely reported, the Miami-Dade schools like so many others across the United States are facing a budget crisis and lack of funding to keep important and valuable programs and staff intact.  

"SpendforED to the rescue," says founder and President, Erik Sussman.  Sussman conceptualized the SpendforED program after attending a roundtable discussion amongst business leaders and M-DCPS Superintendent, Alberto Carvalho in April 2009.  Sussman serves as Vice Chair of Miami-Dade County Schools Academy of Finance Executive Board and Vice Chair for the M-DCPS Foundation of New Education Initiatives fundraising committee. He is also a popular motivational speaker to children in the classrooms.  In addition, Erik and the SpendforED team are seen frequently at fundraising events in and around the city and in schools at all levels in many neighborhoods.

Sussman explained the unique "ED BUCKS" system which allows you to donate to schools and get back 6X your donation in the form of ED BUCKS.  ED BUCKS are accepted as partial payment at participating businesses for up to 20% of the bill.  "It's a win situation all around – businesses get new customers, customers save money and the schools get funding."  

Erik is also Managing Partner of John Hancock Financial Network – South Florida Group located in Miami. Through Erik's relationship with John Hancock Financial Network he was able to secure John Hancock as a Founding Sponsor.

For more information about SpendforED, visit their website at www.spendfored.org or call 305.579.4056.

About SpendforED

SpendforED is a non-profit corporation dedicated to supporting public education.  By linking schools with businesses and the local community, SpendforED provides financial resources to fund new initiatives and support existing programs that help students find their strengths, realize their passions, and expand their possibilities.  Together, we ensure our children will effectively compete in the new global economy.

About John Hancock

John Hancock is a unit of Manulife Financial, a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers customers a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners.

SOURCE SpendforED