FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information: Gloria Capozzi
New Hope for Kids /newhopeforkids.org
gloria@newhopeforkids.org | 407-331-3059 x15
New Hope for Kids announces the kickoff of its Capital Campaign, Building New Hope.
The Campaign hopes to raise $2.5 million to support the purchase and renovation of a building that will allow the consolidation and growth of its children’s programs. This project will transition the current Center for Grieving Children located in Maitland to a new location at 544 Mayo Avenue, Maitland, FL.
Since 1996, New Hope for Kids has been helping Central Florida children in need by providing specialized support to children and families grieving the loss of a loved one and granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.
The latest available statistics show that the population of children under 18 years of age in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties exceeds 440,000. (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2012) Based on national statistics, one in five of these children will lose a family member by the time they reach 18 years of age. In our current facility, we are able to serve fewer than half of these.
To address the numbers of children with life-threatening illness, New Hope for Kids Wishes for Kids program has served children suffering from 147 different illnesses. 1550 children with Cancers, Cerebral Palsy, Sickle Cell, Cystic Fibrosis and Spina Bifida and other illnesses have received wishes.
“Meeting the needs of the Central Florida community in our current space is an ever-increasing challenge”, states Executive Director Dave Joswick. “Due to the physical limitation of the current Center coupled with dramatic and consistent growth over the years of families in need, we have been in pursuit of a new building and location that can adequately serve this definitive group. We have secured an ideal location but renovation is required to make it our home.”
The Campaign is structured so that the community can contribute to one or more specific target areas of their choice through naming and recognition opportunities. “The generosity of our community continues to amaze us”, added Joswick. New Hope for Kids relies on the kindness of individual donors, grants and foundations. Financial pledges have been received……but much more is needed to reach the goal.
Orlando Sentinel Columnist, Scott Maxwell will emcee the kickoff event on Thursday, November 13th from 6 pm-8 pm at 544 Mayo Avenue in Maitland. Mr. Maxwell sat in on our grief program activities in 2010 and wrote an article about his experience. He has been a great supporter and friend ever since.
For a complete informational packet about this project or if you wish to donate, please visit www.newhopeforkids.org