This week, we issued the “official” press release announcing our computer donation event. Give it a read for more background about the donation!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gregory FCA Donates 10 Dell Computers, LCD Screens, and Microsoft Windows XP Software to The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties
Developmentally disabled residents and their families receive well-equipped Dell PCs, software, and discounted Internet service to support their therapy and education
EAGLEVILLE, Pa. — October 27, 2008 — “I see in their eyes that today is like Christmas.” That was the reaction from Angela Sherwood of Harleysville, when The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties gave her a Dell PC for sons Nicholas and Daniel, both of whom have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The computer was among 10 well-equipped, refurbished Dell PCs that Gregory FCA, Philadelphia’s largest public relations firm, donated to The Arc to help families with developmentally disabled children. The computers will be used to help the disabled in their therapy and education, while giving families a crucial tool for researching and advocating equality for Pennsylvania’s disabled citizens.
The Arc gave the computers to Sherwood and other members in a donation event. Video, podcasts, and photos from the event — including interviews with Sherwood, Arc member and computer recipient Chris L’Huereux, and Tom Dareneau, Executive Director of Arc Advocacy Services-are available on The Arc’s blog at www.blogsnap.wordpress.com.
“Gregory FCA staff has volunteered countless hours to help us raise awareness about the issues facing the developmentally disabled in Pennsylvania,” say Dareneau of The Arc. “But their commitment goes beyond helping us with public relations. They’ve generously donated their time and expertise to help us with our blog, fund raising, events, and advocacy. And now they’re taking direct action by donating computers to Arc families, which will help these children therapeutically, as well as help their families educationally and economically.”
Gregory FCA staffers volunteer their time and talent helping several non-profit organizations in the Delaware Valley. Among them is The Arc, whose account is led by Senior Vice President and MARC Foundation board member Rich Levin. When the firm recently upgraded its PC network, company founder and President Greg Matusky asked Levin if The Arc could use 10 of the computers, all of which are little more than a year old. Matusky had the Dell PCs inspected and refurbished by local IT service provider Swain Techs, Ardmore, Pa., and had licensed copies of Microsoft Windows XP and OpenOffice installed. Levin then worked with a local Internet service provider to secure discounted Internet service for the recipients. Each Dell PC also includes a flat-panel monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
“Giving back to our community is part of the fabric of our company,” says Doug Rose, COO of Gregory FCA. “Computer upgrades are an inevitable aspect of running a business, and when it comes time to upgrade, there really isn’t a better way to put the computers you’re replacing to good use than to donate them.”
Videos, podcasts, and pictures from the event are located on The Arc’s blog at http://blogsnap.wordpress.com/?s=computer+donation. More will be posted soon. For other resources, please contact Janelle Kozyra at 610-642-8253, ext. 145; 610-228-2116; or Janelle@GregoryFCA.com.
ABOUT THE ARC OF MONTGOMERY, BERKS & BUCKS COUNTIES
The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties promotes the best possible lives for individuals with developmental disabilities. Its advocacy services, educational programs, and efforts in support of those with developmental disabilities and their families are directed toward the improvement of the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Whether it is advocating for individuals or providing early intervention services, families across Montgomery, Berks, and Bucks Counties depend on The Arc. The Arc can be found online at http://www.Marcpa.org.
PRESS RESOURCES
Press contact: Janelle@GregoryFCA.com
Web site: http://www.marcpa.org
Blog: http://blogsnap.wordpress.com
Relevant blog posts: http://blogsnap.wordpress.com/?s=computer+donation
