Marshall
Heights Community Development Organization, Inc.
3939 Benning Road, NE, Washington, DC
20019
202.396.1200 Facsimile
202.396.4106 www.mhcdo.org
PRESS
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
April 24, 2002
Contact: Amy Cody,
202/396-1201 x163
Marshall Heights CDO Launches $1 Million Campaign for
Community Development
Washington,
DC – Leaders of the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization,
Inc. (MHCDO) announced today a major fundraising effort to help support
the organization’s projects and activities in Ward 7. The MHCDO 2002 Campaign for Community Development
seeks to raise $1 million to build affordable homes, enhance employment
and training opportunities, and operate other important programs.
For over 20 years, MHCDO has successfully worked to expand economic opportunities, increase self-sufficiency, and improve the quality of life for children and families in Ward 7. Key public and private partnerships have enabled the organization to effectively integrate housing and economic development with health and human services. Recent reductions in government and foundation support, however, threaten MHCDO’s ability to continue its vital work.
“This
is MHCDO’s first major campaign to raise funds to pay for the capital
and operating expenses that are not covered by grants and other
resources,” said Lloyd D. Smith, Chairman of the 2002 Campaign and
former President and CEO of the organization.
MHCDO’s
2002 Campaign Committee, Board of Directors and staff have personally
pledged $30,000 toward the fundraising goal.
The JENCO Group, a Washington metropolitan area-based developer
that partnered with MHCDO on the redevelopment of the East River Park and
Fort Davis shopping centers, will raise $10,000 for the effort. Smith also reported that an upcoming real estate transaction
will allow MHCDO to receive $200,000 worth of equity over time from its
for-profit subsidiary, East River Park, Inc.
The
2002 Campaign Committee is
vice-chaired by Eugene Kinlow. Committee
members include a number of long-time MHCDO supporters: Jerry “The
Iceman” Butler, Thomas P. Gallagher, Oscar Haynes, Joseph Horning,
Marvin Jawer, Christopher B. LoPiano, Sue Marshall, Alvin McNeal, B. Doyle
Mitchell, Jr., Beverly Perry, Patricia Press, Ernest Skinner, James O.
Thomas, Decatur Trotter, Lt. Col. James Watkins, and Curtis White.
“Ward
7 is a wonderful place to live, but we must address the area’s
significant poverty, unemployment, housing and health needs through
effective programs and investments,” says Loretta Tate, MHCDO’s
President and CEO. “MHCDO
will use proceeds from the fundraising campaign to continue to strengthen
distressed neighborhoods and to improve the quality of life for thousands
of children and families.”
Those
who would like to learn more about MHCDO or to make a donation to the
fundraising campaign should call (202) 396-1201 x163 or visit the MHCDO
Web site at www.mhcdo.org.
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