| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: | |
| July 8th, 2015 | Ricky Garza | |
| (202) 776-1732; rgarza@nclr.org | ||
| NCLR Press Office (July 10–14) | ||
| (816) 513-5539 |
Community Service Project to Kick off NCLR Annual Conference
In Kansas City
NCLR, El Centro, Bank of America and Heartland Habitat for Humanity to restore classrooms and playground at local school
KANSAS CITY, Ks.—On Friday, July 10, 2015, volunteers from El Centro, NCLR (National Council of La Raza), Bank of America and Heartland Habitat for Humanity will come together at the Academy for Children in Kansas City, Ks., a dual-language preschool program, for a day of service. The project, supported by Bank of America and Heartland Habitat for Humanity, is taking place on the eve of the 2015 NCLR Annual Conference, which kicks off Saturday, July 11, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Mo., and features the National Latino Family Expo®, the largest Latino-consumer focused event in the nation.
“We are extremely proud to have this collaborative effort as part of our kickoff to the NCLR Annual Conference in Kansas City. We are grateful to Bank of America for supporting this effort and bringing volunteers to lend a hand in making Academy for Children a safer and more beautiful place for the children who attend the preschool, as well as the community members who utilize the varied services offered by our Affiliate El Centro at this location,” said Enrique Chaurand, Deputy Vice President, Integrated Marketing and Events, NCLR. “Habitat for Humanity has always been a steadfast partner in expanding homeownership opportunities for Latinos, and we are happy to once again partner with them in beautifying this deserving community.”
During the day of service, volunteers will paint and restore two classrooms at the school, construct an outdoor classroom and install a fence that will provide added security for the Academy’s students. More than 100 volunteers are expected to work on the three projects, which are expected to be completed by the day’s end.
“We’re delighted to partner with NCLR and Heartland Habitat for Humanity for a day of service at El Centro’s Academy for Children,” said Jack Ovel, Kansas City Market President, Bank of America. “It’s a great way for the community to unite for the greater good, supporting youth and economic success in Kansas City.”
“El Centro appreciates those who have decided to give up a portion of their day to volunteer at our Academy for Children, providing some much-needed refurbishments both inside and out. We are humbly proud of our Academy and the dual-language pre-K education offered to the community to get children ready and eager for kindergarten,” said Irene Caudillo, President and CEO of El Centro. “With volunteers from NCLR, Bank of America and Heartland Habitat for Humanity, we know we can enhance our educational setting for our children. By serving in these projects, all volunteers become part of the national showcase of NCLR, along with showing the nation how Kansas City works together and cares for the community in which we live.”
Members of the media are welcome to attend any portion of the event. Ricky Garza
(202) 776-1732; rgarza@nclr.org GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!
The National Latino Family Expo will run throughout the weekend and is free and open to the public. The NCLR Annual Conference will offer town halls and workshop tracks that feature prominent political, civic and community leaders covering diverse issues including education, health care, immigration and workforce development, among many others.
MEDIA ADVISORY
| WHAT: | Community day of service: restoration of classrooms and playground | |
| WHERE: | El Centro Academy for Children | |
| 1330 S. 30th Street | ||
| Kansas City, KS 66106 | ||
| WHEN: | Friday, July 10, 2015 | |
| 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. |
8:30–8:45 a.m.
Opening/Welcome, Irene Caudillo (President/CEO, El Centro)
Tom Lally (President and CEO, Heartland Habitat for Humanity)
NCLR representative (TBD)
8:45 a.m.–Noon
Volunteers conducting community service projects
Noon–1:00 p.m. Lunch break (School Gymnasium)
Presentation of grant check to Heartland Habitat for Humanity from Bank of America
1:00–1:45 p.m.
Final push to complete projects
1:45–2:00 p.m.
Closing remarks and thank you to volunteers
(School Gymnasium)
Irene Caudillo (President/CEO, El Centro)
Tom Lally (President and CEO, Heartland Habitat for Humanity)
Angela Garcia Lathrop (Community Affairs Executive, Bank of America)
NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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