SpendforED Launches Program to Aid Ailing Miami-Dade County Public Schools

MIAMI, April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- SpendforED (www.spendfored.org), a non-profit corporation dedicated to supporting public education and providing aid to the ailing Miami-Dade County Public Schools, launched a program that links schools with businesses and the local community to provide financial resources to help fund new initiatives and support existing programs that help students find their strengths, realize their passions and expand their possibilities.  The schools have been experiencing severe budget cuts, forcing them to eliminate some current programs.

SpendforED's goal is to empower the entire community by encouraging local businesses and residents to take a proactive role in improving public education through its unique "ED BUCKS" reward system.  For every $10 donated in support of the schools, donors will receive 60 ED BUCKS ($60.00 in savings) to use at participating local businesses including: all local Milam's Super Market locations, Au Bon Pain, Johnny Rockets, Smoothie King, Ibiley School Uniforms, 8oz Burgers, and Gordon Biersch locations along with 90 percent of the Pizza Huts in Miami-Dade and Broward County.  

"When we learned about SpendforED we saw it as a great way to support Miami-Dade County Public Schools and at the same time help Milam's Market attract and retain customers," said Allen R. Milam, President Milam's Markets IGA.  "Everyone wins with SpendforED!"

Through this program, the participating Miami-Dade County Schools will receive consistent financial support, and will have an additional mechanism to help them engage the community in their programs.

Erik Sussman, President and Founder of SpendforED says, "I was inspired to start SpendforED after attending a meeting with Superintendent, Alberto Carvalho, and learning of the looming budget cuts the schools are facing and the potential elimination of important programs and services to the students.  We are proud of our efforts to date and anticipate huge success in Miami with potential for growth to other public school systems in cities with similar at risk financial situations."  

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.

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.

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

SOURCE John Hancock Financial Network