The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (July 10, 2014) – In celebration of its 100 year anniversary, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) has launched an ambitious Centennial Capital Campaign to raise one million dollars towards various special projects and initiatives through fundraising events and outreach.

Thousands of letters will arrive at the homes of individuals, businesses and organizations around the county urging them to join the campaign by making a contribution of $100 or more. CCESC has a number of sponsorship levels to which donors can commit in order to directly support the capital campaign, scholarships, and new programming.

For 100 years, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County has been providing programs and services that bring the resources of Cornell University to the grass-roots level. Exciting new programs and opportunities currently under way at CCESC will ensure that it continues to provide high-quality, innovative programs that are vital to our county’s economic and community development.

Donations will help CCESC continue to deliver programs that enable Sullivan County residents to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work.

This campaign will turn the CCESC Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center and grounds into a sustainable environmental education center with:

· New solar and passive energy systems, · Energy-saving lighting and HVAC

· Entrepreneurial & Teaching (EaT) Kitchen, · Managing forest land incorporating educational components

Funds raised will support new programs including:

· STEM and environmental programming for families, · Greenhouse & high tunnel hands-on education

· Food entrepreneur and value-added trainings, · Healthy living, nutrition, and obesity prevention

Sponsors donating $100 or more will receive a benefits package which includes special invitations to campaign events, pins, recognition on a donor wall, listings in CCESC publications, and discounts on select classes. Substantial contributions can be pledged and paid out over a number of years.

Tax-deductible gifts can be made online at www.sullivancce.org. Checks should be made payable to CCESC Centennial Fund. More information can be obtained by calling 845-292-6180 or by emailing Nicole Slevin at nas96@cornell.edu.