Morgantown, WV, May 6, 2008 – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. presented a $10,000 donation to the Appalachian Education Initiative (AEI) today at the Supercenter located at 215 Four-H Camp Rd. The money will assist in AEI’s mission to strengthen arts education in public schools throughout West Virginia. In attendance at today’s presentation were AEI Executive Director Lou Karas and Wal-Mart Senior Public Affairs Manager Kelly Hobbs.
“I am pleased to accept this check on behalf of the Appalachian Education Initiative and for all of the children in West Virginia’s public schools,” Lourdes Karas, AEI executive director, said. “Arts programs for every child, in every grade, are crucial to the development of critical, creative thinking skills that are so important to their futures, regardless of the life choices they make. Karas said that the generous donation from Wal-Mart will help fund AEI programs such as the State of the Arts Education study, advocacy and communications activities and teacher professional development programs. Wal-Mart maintains an ongoing commitment to education and helping individuals achieve their scholastic goals by supporting local schools and educational programs within local communities.
Wal-Mart is one of the largest corporate supporters of teachers and education – In 2007 alone, Wal-Mart Stores and Sam's Club gave $1,650,845.00 in cash and in-kind donations to local causes and organizations in the communities they serve in the state of West Virginia. “Wal-Mart is honored to support AEI in its mission to expand the arts through public education and making these kinds of programs a common experience for children and young adults in West Virginia,” said Kelly Hobbs, Wal-Mart Senior Public Affairs Manager for West Virginia.
“This donation is an extension of Wal-Mart’s efforts to support the communities where associates and customers work and live.”
About Appalachian Education Initiative (AEI)The Appalachian Education Initiative is a statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote students’ personal development, academic performance and 21st century workforce preparation by ensuring the availability of quality arts education in West Virginia public schools. AEI is the West Virginia affiliate of the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network. The Network works with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to support policies, practices, programs and partnerships that ensure the arts are an essential part of American kindergarten through 12th grade education.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and its foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the company supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in education, job skills training, sustainability, and health and human services. In 2007, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartstores.com/community.
