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Through the efforts of National Board Member, Gerry Wolken, Boys Hope Girls Hope has entered into a partnership with Rite Aid that addresses some of the immediate needs of our scholars as well as providing leadership at the national level. In April 2004, The Rite Aid Foundation, headquartered in Camp Hill , Pennsylvania , announced a gift of $40,000 to help meet the everyday living needs of Boys Hope Girls Hope scholars living in eight of the communities in which Rite Aid operates. At that time, Karen Rugen (Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Treasurer of The Rite Aid Foundation) and Janet Emerson (Senior Vice President Central Division) made a formal check presentation to Paul Minorini (National President/CEO), Sister Donna Tahaney (Executive Director of the Pittsburgh affiliate) and scholar Bettye Jean. In response to the gift, Paul Minorini, President/CEO of Boys Hope Girls Hope, commented "It is a pleasure to partner with Rite Aid Corporation on behalf of our scholars. Their commitment to bettering the lives of children and strengthening the communities they serve is significant and we are extremely grateful."
(left to right)
Sr. Donna Tahaney, Karen Rugen, A second gift of $45,000 in October made it possible for several affiliates to address even more of the scholars' needs, a significant challenge considering that there are 6-8 scholars living in each home. Cities benefiting from the gifts, totaling $85,000, are: Baltimore , Baton Rouge , Cleveland , Denver , Detroit , Las Vegas , New Orleans , New York , Pittsburgh , San Francisco , and Southern California . Regarding the most recent gift, Mary Sammons, Rite Aid President and CEO commented, "One of our core values is to be caring neighbors, involved in community activities in meaningful ways. I can't think of a better way to be involved than to give back to wonderful community organizations like Boys Hope Girls Hope who are really making a difference in children's lives." The impact of Rite Aid's generous support is magnified by the growing involvement of Jim Mastrian (Sr. Executive VP, Marketing, Logistics and Pharmacy) who has committed to providing his professional expertise and leadership at the national level as a board member. "Jim and I had a real 'small world' moment when we first talked," notes Paul Minorini. "It turns out that he spoke with Fr. Sheridan (Boys Hope Girls Hope founder) several years ago and was already familiar with the program. We are thrilled to have Jim involved, making use of his talents for the benefit of our scholars." The Rite Aid Foundation was founded
in July 2001 and is dedicated to helping people in the communities
Rite Aid serves to lead happier, healthier lives. Rite Aid Corporation
is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with annual revenues
of more than $16.6 billion and approximately 3,400 stores in 28
states and the District of Columbia . Information about Rite Aid
and the Rite Aid Foundation is available through the company's website
at www.riteaid.com. From
the Boys Hope Girls Hope family to everyone at Rite Aid- THANK
YOU!!!
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Bridgeton,
MO 63044-2607