City of Altamonte Springs Teams with YGRIN to Present $20,629.85 to The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla., Aug. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Elected officials and representatives from the City of Altamonte Springs and the YGRIN team present a ceremonial check to The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools during the Seminole County Public Schools' Board Meeting.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110823/FL56544-a )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110823/FL56544LOGO-b )

A total of $20,629.85 was raised during an 11-day community fundraising event, "Fireworks 4 Energy", held in July 2011 to provide 4,000 backpacks which were then filled with back-to-school supplies, educational material, and energy saving resources.

The YGRIN community project engaged more than 70 restaurants, businesses, and the community to make a significant contribution to The Foundation to ensure that students in need have a backpack and supplies.  

"This partnership exemplifies proactive and collaborative leadership that is a fundamental asset to our school system and to our community," said Dede Schaffner, chairman for the Seminole County Public School Board.  "The value of the backpacks and supplies provided is amplified by the priceless messages of a green environment and unwavering community support for our students and the education system."

The City of Altamonte Springs participated in the YGRIN "Energy & Education" campaign to raise funds, awareness, and support for education, economic development for the "zero waste" generation, the "ENERGENERATION."

"Altamonte Springs is known for its progressive and long-term vision," noted Frank Martz, Altamonte Springs' city manager.  "We embraced the YGRIN model and mission from the beginning and are proud to serve as the community conduit to connect this important initiative to The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools."

This model stands ready for other communities throughout the United States to replicate as it incorporates eight core community components, which together can stimulate long-term systemic change, continued Martz.

The campaign also offered exclusive deals from many local restaurants and businesses in Central Florida for Seminole County Public Schools teachers.   Teachers simply register at ygrin.com, enter a special coupon code, and enjoy extensive savings from participating restaurants, home services, health and wellness providers, and entertainment venues.  

"With the support of The Foundation and the City of Altamonte Springs, YGRIN devoted more than 7,000 hours of volunteer time and energy in a one month period as they collected funds for the backpacks and teacher incentives," said Dower Drummond, president of the YGRIN team.  "The value of these resources and savings is well into the millions and grows every day to support our environment, our community, and our school systems."    

ABOUT THE CITY OF ALTAMONTE SPRINGS:

Altamonte Springs boasts a dynamic mix of fine retail establishments, hotels, upscale offices, commercial space, abundant restaurants, and housing in all price ranges.  In addition to single-family and multi-family homes nestled in lakeside and tree-shaded communities, Altamonte Springs is located in one of the more affluent areas of Central Florida. Altamonte Springs provides a solid base of white collar personnel and support services with the convenience of a location that virtually eliminates the daily challenge of commuting to work.  For more information, please visit www.altamonte.org.

ABOUT YGRIN:

YGRIN (Yellow Grease Renewable Initiative) strives to develop a network of restaurants, community partners, environmental advocates, and government leaders to implement an eco-conscious approach that systematically collects and uses the nation's abundant waste grease, transforming it into renewable energy and other marketable products.  The initiative will serve to create jobs, raise money for education, stimulate economic development, and provide charitable needs, while keeping waste grease out of America's waste systems.  To learn more about how this impactful initiative is taking action to protect our environment and to "Discover the 11 Footprints 4 the ENERGENERATION" please visit www.YGRIN.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Laura E. Richeson, APR / Richeson Communications
407-616-8108 / [email protected]

SOURCE YGRIN