Eastside Elementary a finalist for Goody’s grant

The newly created program is designed to help local schools pay for the things they really need, but cannot afford through regular education funding.

Eastside Elementary’s grant proposal requested funding for a character education program and was selected by a panel of judges who work at the local Goody’s store. The school’s proposal is now in the final round of judging at Goody’s corporate headquarters, vying for one of 50 $10,000 grants the company will award in April.

More than 1,000 applications were received from schools in 20 states requesting assistance for projects integral to enhancing education. Appeals focused on needs such as playgrounds, technology equipment including computers and interactive tools, and updated textbooks and library books.

‘Every need in our schools is so worthwhile. Goody’s is thrilled to have the opportunity to lend a hand through the advent of this new school grant program,’ said Mary Beth Fox, Goody’s vice president of marketing, strategy and planning. ‘The store associates in particular were so eager to reach out to the schools. Goody’s associates are truly dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve, and children are the primary focus of that mission. In reviewing the grant entries, it’s been inspiring to learn about these schools, their children, and their dreams.’

Goody’s will award half a million dollars in grants to K-12 schools in Goody’s communities through the program, funded in part by proceeds from the sale of Ashley Judd’s new clothing line, available exclusively at Goody’s.

‘It was very important to me that this line of clothing ‘ while providing simple, lovely wardrobe solutions for women ‘ would also contribute to a greater good,’ said Judd. ‘Children are our future, and a good educational experience is their birthright; fostering that notion is at the heart of this program. This type of community involvement is a fundamental part of why I chose to be in business with Goody’s.’

To apply for consideration for the coming school year, teachers or school principals can obtain a grant application after April 15 from their local Goody’s or online at www.goodysgooddeeds.com. Completed applications must be signed by a school principal and submitted to a Goody’s location by Nov. 1, 2008.