September 22, 2005

Contact: Matthew J. Donofry, Marketing/Communications Coordinator, Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS)

BLOCS accepts $71,000 donation for Bensalem Schools

(L to R) Matthew Donofry, BLOCS Mktg. & Comm. Coord.; Mayor Jos. Digirolamo, Bensalem; Rev. Msgr. Kenneth P. McAteer, Pastor, St. Ephrem; Sr. Rita Marian, IHM, Princ., St. Chas. Borromeo; Rev. Gerard C. Mesure, Pastor, St. Chas. Borromeo; Sr. Mary McNulty, IHM, Princ., St. Ephrem; Rev. Mike J. Lonergan, Pastor, St. Eliz. Anne Seton; Sr. Barbara Ann Browne, Princ., Our Lady of Fatima; Betty Pesce, Bus. Mgr., Our Lady of Fatima; Gregory Pasquale Ciminera, BLOCS Exec. Dir.; State Rep. Gene Digirolamo, 18th District

Philadelphia, PA - On September 20th, 2005 BLOCS traveled to Bensalem, PA in Lower Bucks County to meet with local politicians and school administrators. A check in the amount of $71,000.00 was presented to BLOCS through the assistance of Bensalem Mayor Joseph Digirolamo and State Representative Gene Digirolamo (18th District ) benefiting St. Ephrems, St. Charles, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and Our Lady of Fatima school families for tuition assistance. BLOCS Executive Director Gregory Pasquale Ciminera and BLOCS Marketing/Communications Coordinator Matthew J. Donofry were on hand for the check presentation.

These contributions were made possible by the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, which allows businesses to donate to scholarship programs while earning tax credits. Rep. Digirolamo said, “This is a great program that allows our local businesses to reach out and connect with our schools. It gives our children in the community, who otherwise would not have access to catholic school, a viable option.” Representatives from the benefiting schools were also in attendance to discuss the further improvement of the EITC Program in their respective communities. The administrators are eager to move forward in pursuing new business leads and educating future donors within their community about this exciting program.

There continues to be a growing demand for tuition assistance in all our diocesan schools. Sister Rita Marian IHM, the principal at St. Charles said, “This tuition assistance is very significant and can make the difference in our schools. She also commended BLOCS and as well as Mayor and Rep. Digirolamo for their efforts in this program. “The interest that our local politicians are taking in our schools is outstanding,” stated Sister Rita. This event serves as testimony that with the help of local businesses, committed public servants, and school administrators, BLOCS can continue to serve more and more our families and students. Anyone interested in participating in this program is encouraged to visit the BLOCS website at www.BLOCS.org.

###