The Latest News - March 15, 2007

Well, here it is! The new web site design allows for supporters to get the latest news, financial information, project updates, look at upcoming fundraising events, make contributions online and also purchase our Gourmet Coffee! Our new web site designer is Lauren from Web Boulevard and I feel she has done some amazing work.

CHCG has received it single largest individual donation in December from Roger and Ellen Lawrence. CHCG received a donation of $2,000.00 from the Lawrence family with this instruction. “This program is very important and we want to help get it going”. Roger works for a Government Contractor at the Space Center and Ellen is a High School Teacher. A few years ago, they donated time and effort helping to build a school in Haiti. Education and helping others who are less fortunate gain knowledge has been their mission. From everyone at CHCG – Thank You!

CHCG has received verbal commitments from some large corporations for Computers to support the program. In fact, a vice president with a major bank who attended the Golf Tournament believed that when we are ready, they could supply more computers then we could distribute through the program based upon their annual upgrades. Believe me, we still want all of the computer donations that we can get and accept the challenge to get as many computers to the DR as possible. The program when fully instituted calls for 40 graduates per month that is a lot of computers. The issue is financial support. We need to gather financial aid to launch the program properly. Coffee sales and fundraising events have helped keep the program moving forward but we need some Corporate and Grant support to provide for the Teachers, Operations, Facility Rental, etc. We have engaged an assistant to help us with the Grant process. We will keep you informed on the progress.

On August 21st we had a very good meeting with Senator Mel Martinez office to discuss the project and seek some future assistance.  Our meeting was held with State Director Matthew Hunter, a very gracious host who was excited about the program.  Some years back, Senator Martinez and Matthew Hunter were involved in a similar mission in Texas in which schools and computers were set-up for displaced underprivileged children.  Mr. Hunter offered the Senators assistance with an import issue regarding transporting the computers to the Dominican Republic and to also bring program awareness to some of the key constituents who he believes will also have an interest in this program.  All we can say is thank you Matthew Hunter and Senator Martinez.

A Very Special Thank You to Jane Bullock, CPM. Triplenet Properties

Two donations totaling over $200 were made to CHCG by Jane Bullock CPM of Triplenet Properties. These were accomplished via third party book and jewelry sales at her property. Jane, we all thank you for your support!. Please take a minute and read her letter (click here)

Coffee sales have started out very good.  We have received numerous testimonials about the quality of this coffee.  This is an excellent addition to holiday gift baskets, customer  and employee appreciation  and just for some GREAT everyday coffee at supermarket prices.  Special Thanks to all coffee purchasers including Ron Doren – Our First Purchase,  Grand Central Engineering & Security 12lbs, Isabella Vicari  10Lbs,

1st Annual Fall Classic Puerto Plata Golf Tournament September 14-17  2006

Thanks to all of the participants in the first annual fall classic in Puerto Plata. There were a great number of challenges but somehow we came out of it with some money going to the program. Next year will be better with the lessons learned. Everyone had fun and said they will be back next year . Thanks again!

A Golf tournament at Twin Rivers Golf Club held in October 7th in Oviedo.   This Golf Event was also organized by Board Member Stephen LaRocca and David Allen. Golf, BBQ Lunch, Prizes, Awards, etc. This was an event to remember.  Please look for the spring classic which will be posted soon. It will definitely sell out so hurry and sign up when it is posted. All proceeds will help get the school and we need your support.