THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 3, 1996 TAG: 9603010244
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARK YOUNG, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
The fund-raising thermometer posted in the foyer of Princess Anne High's temporary home at Celebration Station burst over the $100,000 mark this week.
On Thursday, Farm Fresh stores presented a check for $23,046 to Principal Patricia Griffin. The group donation is the largest received since recovery efforts began last September when a large portion of the newly renovated high school was destroyed in a fire.
The donation comprises 2 percent of Gold Card purchases made by patrons over a 12 week period at six stores and contributions from five of the company's major suppliers: Flowers Baking, Mary Jane Bread, Nabisco, Coca-Cola and Frito-Lay.
Farm Fresh began setting up its assistance efforts soon after the fire. Thousands of area businesses, individuals and other organizations were inspired by the school's plight. A carwash put on by students at the nearby Shell service station soon after the blaze helped dramatize the effort. The students set their goal at $100,000, said Griffin.
In addition to the funds raised, numerous donations in kind, prayers and gifts of time and labor have bolstered the efforts of students, parents and teachers.
Reams of paper arrived, as did grosses of pens and pencils. The students of Thalia Elementary raised $844 by collecting a mile of pennies. Another check arrived at the school Thursday, for $2.50.
``The generosity has been overwhelming,'' said Griffin. ``I would like to thank this community.''
She expects to be back in the restored school building by next January if not sooner. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Farm Fresh spokesman Alan Sader visits with Princess Anne High
School cheerleaders after the check presentation.
by CNB