News Release: Junior Achievement of Manatee/Sarasota Raises More Than $34,000 at Annual Breakfast

Online, June 21, 2011 (Newswire.com) - MEDIA CONTACT:
Angela Massaro-Fain
(941) 351-0024

Junior Achievement of Manatee/Sarasota Raises More Than $34,000 at
Annual Breakfast

Donations Will Fund Economic Education Programs for Local Students

Junior Achievement of Manatee/Sarasota raised more than $34,000 at its annual fundraising breakfast on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. More than 100 guests attended the event, which featured ABC 7 News Anchor Scott Dennis as Master of Ceremonies.

In the 2010-2011 school year, Junior Achievement of Manatee/Sarasota delivered educational programs to 290 local classrooms and approximately 6,000 students. The non-profit organization will use the money raised from this year's breakfast to fund an Economics of Success program for all area 8th graders, and will increase the number of high school students who benefit from its Personal Finance program.

"Junior Achievement relies on the generosity of our business partners and volunteers to meet the ever-growing needs of our local students," said Maggie Haley, executive director of Junior Achievement Manatee/Sarasota. "Now more than ever, a sound economic education is necessary for our youth to navigate their futures. These funds will allow us to bring our programs on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to even more local students."

Olivia Dane Alfarone, a senior at Riverview High School, spoke of the personal impact Junior Achievement programs have had on her life, and Trina Waldhalm, a guidance counselor at Sarasota Military Academy, attested to the success of students who have benefited from Junior Achievement programs. Jimmy Dean, Publisher of Harbor Style Magazine, spoke about investing in the future by supporting these important educational initiatives.

The event was sponsored by Robert W. Baird & Company and Grapevine Communications Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations.

About Junior Achievement:

Junior Achievement is the world's largest and fastest-growing non-profit economic education organization. The organization uses hands-on experiences to help young people understand the economics of life. In partnership with business and educators, Junior Achievement brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential. Programs are taught by classroom volunteers from the business community across America and in over 103 countries worldwide. Providing children with positive adult role models, who illustrate ways to build self-confidence, develop skills and find avenues of success in our free enterprise system, is a hallmark of Junior Achievement. For more information, call 941-361-1410 or visit jamanatee.org.