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PSS receives community-raised funds for elementary schools
Radio-thon raises more than $53K in two days
Funds raised through the radio-thon organized under the KKMP Foundation were handed over to seven elementary schools of the Public School System last Saturday in time for their first day of classes yesterday.
The two-day radio-thon held Thursday and Friday last week raised a total pledge of $53,728.37 from the community to be used for purchasing school supplies. More than $37,000 was given in cash and checks and was entrusted to each of the schools’ principals.
“No child should get left behind. We know what it’s like because we all grew up poor. We know what it’s like to go to school without a pencil or just a broken pencil you found lying on the street somewhere. And we are not going to let our kids go to school with broken pencils and no school supplies,” KKMP’s Gary Sword said.
The radio-thon was organized through Marianas High School Batch 1987 and was headed by Sword, Viola Alepuyo, Gordon Marciano, Alex Sablan, and Lillian Pangelinan.
“It’s about the kids and the community giving back to the kids,” Alepuyo said.
“Thank you for allowing KKMP to be part of this event. We’re always here, ready and able and willing to work with the community, especially for our children,” KKMP Foundation’s Rose Sword said.
Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres was also present during the gathering at Paupau Beach.
“Every assistance to our recovery is a great cause and it does go a long way. Thank you,” Torres said
Torres added that they are pledging $5,000 to the cause.
“On behalf of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and the Governor, we have $5,000 coming your way,” he said.
The funds on hand were divided proportionally among the seven schools based on their enrollment. It will be up to the principals to determine who needs help in their schools.
The William S. Reyes Elementary School received $6,243.30; Oleai Elementary School received $4,558.60; San Vicente Elementary School got $6,273.03; Kagman Elementary School was given $3,567.60; Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School was awarded $3,131.56; Koblerville Elementary School obtained $6,025.28; and Garapan Elementary School received the biggest check worth $7,828.90.
Sword said they will be issuing more checks next week.
“I’m going to make a pledge here, that the money you have donated today will go to great use for the students to learn in their classrooms and to do what is best also,” Education Commissioner Dr. Rita Sablan said.
“On behalf of the children from the seven elementary schools that received the much needed funds, I want to thank all of you and all of the community of Saipan for coming out to give what they can,” she added.
