(PRESS RELEASE) After-School All-Stars North Texas recently held their first fundraising event “School’s Out for Summer”. This event served as an introduction event so that After-School All-Stars may share their mission with the North Texas community. Specifically, funds were raised to help send kids to CAMP US, a week long sleep over camp for kids who are rising 9th graders. The cocktail party was held in the beautiful home of Anne and Steve Stodghill on May 30th. The event featured one of the ASAS North Texas celebrity ambassadors – LaDanian Tomlinson (L.T.). L.T. is currently a broadcaster with the NFL network, a former NLF running back for the San Diego Chargers and New York Jets and an All-American player for TCU. His speech included a compelling story about his own journey and being in an after-school program.
In Dallas County alone, more than 100,000 children between the ages of five and 13 are without adult supervision outside of the home after school. (Source: Dallas Afterschool Network, “Today’s Children: Tomorrow’s Communities.) ASAS North Texas helps fill a critical after-school need for kids and the community. ASAS North Texas launched its school-based after-school programs at KIPP TRUTH Academy in Oak Cliff, a public charter middle school that equips traditionally underserved students in grades 5-8 with the knowledge, skills and character traits necessary to succeed in top-quality high schools, colleges and careers. In addition, ASAS has plans to expand to other schools in the North Texas area next year. ASAS programs fuel students’ passions by combining academics, enrichment opportunities and health and fitness activities. The programs also give students a safe haven during the after-school hours when kids are most likely to be exposed to negative influences.
Top Photo: Betsy Orton, ASAS Executive Director, LaDainian Tomlinson and Phil Terry
Bottom Photo: Ben Paul, National President & CEO of ASAS with party hosts Anne and Steve Stodghill
About After School All-Stars:
Founded by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, After-School All-Stars is a leading national provider of year-round, school-based, comprehensive after-school programs that equip children with the skills and experiences needed to become productive members of the 21st century workforce. Every day, children participate in free programs that include academic support, enrichment opportunities, and health/fitness activities designed to keep children safe and help them succeed in school and in life. More than 82,000 children from families of poverty benefit in 12 U.S. areas. In recent years, ASAS has launched four new national program initiatives to address America’s high school dropout, obesity, economic and civic engagement crises.
About Camp Us:
Camp US is an initiative of After-School All-Stars nationwide. Our local over-night camp will be held July 22-26th at Paul Quinn College. Campers will enjoy a full week sleep-away camp for free. This camp is operated by the After-School All-Stars North Texas chapter and is for kids who are rising 9th graders. A $500 donation enables one student to attend camp for free. For those wishing to support the After-School All-Stars program, you can donate on-line to help with the Camp US program here http://asasnorthtexas.org/donate/ For more information about ASAS North Texas and/or the event, please contact Betsy Orton at Betsy@afterschoolallstars.org or visit http://www.afterschoolallstars.org/.
