Local Businesses Sponsor Arts and Literacy Programming at Chester Charter School for the Arts

The Chester Fund for Education and the Arts (TCF) announces local business sponsorship of arts and literacy programming at Chester Charter School for the Arts (CCSA), a K-7 public, non-profit charter school, serving Pennsylvania’s poorest school district. In 2012, TCF, in partnership with dedicated parents, educators, advocates and volunteers, founded CCSA on the principle that an arts education is vital to each child’s education and development.

TCF Founder and President Dr. John Alston is grateful for the support. “Because of the local business community, Chester children are ballroom dancing, playing violin, performing Hairspray, and comparing Manet to Monet. Our children are also learning to read well. In September, 22% of our students were reading at a proficient level. In January, 48% of our students were reading at a proficient level.”

TCF is pleased to recognize 320 Market Cafe, Desert Rose, Dos Gringos, Hobbs Coffee, Iron Hill Brewery, Occasionally Yours and the Swarthmore Food Co-op for their donations of in-kind services to TCF’s end of year fundraising efforts. TCF funds dance, drama, visual arts, and choral and instrumental instruction, in addition to literacy programming, at CCSA.

David Cunicelli, owner of 320 Market and Cafe says, "We are happy to help the children of Chester and raise awareness of the importance of the arts and reading supports. We hope other businesses will be moved to join us in supporting Chester's children."

Each year, TCF must raise $1 million and contributions to the fund directly impact the rigor and quality of a CCSA education.TCF is still seeking donations for this fiscal year which ends on June 30, 2014. Jay McEntee, TCF Chair, praises the local business sponsors and states, “These businesses and their owners have stepped in at a critical moment in our organization’s history. In the fall of 2015, we are expanding and adding a high school program.” Mr. McEntee adds, “This is an expensive and ambitious vision, but it is necessary. The children of Chester deserve the same level of education that our children receive in Swarthmore, Wallingford or Media.”

For more information on The Chester Fund for Education and the Arts, and sponsorship and giving opportunities, please contact Hillary Sorin (610) 859-2988.