East Coast Retailer Awards Philadelphia & Other Tri-State Schools $75,000 for Arts Education

WHAT:

33 second graders from Robert Morris Elementary School in Philadelphia will get a big surprise Wednesday, March 2nd when a huge victory for arts education will be announced at East coast retailer, A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc., (South Philly location).  

The retailer will reveal their plan to the 7/8-year-olds (along with teachers) and Philadelphia schools reps, to put additional funding behind their commitment to fostering creativity and education in local communities.  A.C. Moore will pledge more than $75,000 in additional programming for underfunded Philadelphia, Camden and Wilmington schools, where art education cuts have been among the deepest in the country. The funds will be used for art supplies, free hands-on field trips and transportation to and from the schools for the trips.

WHERE:  

A.C. Moore at Columbus Crossing Shopping Center

1851 S Columbus Blvd # 8

Philadelphia, PA

WHEN:

WEDNESDAY MARCH 2, 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Kids arrive by bus at 9:30 a.m.

WHO:

A.C. Moore's Joseph Jeffries, CEO; Patricia Mazzuca, assistant superintendent for the Academic Division 5 from Philadelphia School District and 33 second grade students.

WHY:

A.C. Moore is the only arts and crafts company with a free, on-going education program for teachers and students at all of its stores. The plan to be announced today is part of a system-wide expansion of its free, art education field trip program in all 136 stores.  The trips are part of the company's "Crafting a Better World" program and include free programming at its stores for any pre-school and elementary schools along the East Coast.   Scout leaders, home-schoolers and other education-focused groups can also take advantage of the program.  Since its inception, A.C. Moore has hosted more than 75,000 students and teachers system wide.

VISUALS:

- 33 second graders going on an art and "Dream/Inspiration" field trip

- Children doing crafts, making "dreams" on inspiration boards

- A.C. Moore presenting ceremonial shopping carts of supplies and oversized gift cards to Philadelphia School District reps.

INTERVIEWS:

A.C. Moore CEO, Joseph Jeffries, Philadelphia School District representatives, students &  teacher Lisa Egan