RALEIGH, N.C. – Eckerd Youth Alternatives (EYA) received significant donations that will support its Model Classroom initiative throughout North Carolina. The leading contributor, The Duke Endowment, donated $250,000. Other contributors included the SAS Institute, Inc. of Cary, N.C., and the Community Foundation of Henderson County, Perry N. Rudnick Donor Advised Fund. These combined donations have allowed EYA to reach its goal and fund implementation of the Model Classroom at all seven Outdoor Therapeutic Programs in the state. 

“We are thrilled to receive these gifts and pleased that these organizations recognize the work EYA does in successfully helping at-risk youth,” said Board member Kennedy C. O’Herron of Raleigh, N.C. “We could not be more delighted that The Duke Endowment is supporting our efforts to help kids advance educationally while in our care.” 

EYA’s Model Classroom will provide an individualized educational experience for each child. These classrooms and virtual libraries will allow EYA to build on its very successful Eckerd Model in experiential education, while addressing changing federal and state educational standards. These significant gifts of education will continuously contribute to the success of our youth long after they have returned to their communities. 

“Duke Endowment is very pleased to be a part of initiatives such as these that can better the lives of the next generation, allowing them to learn and advance academically,” stated Duke Endowment’s Child Care Division Director, Rhett Mabry. “EYA is a shining example of an organization that truly embodies a genuine dedication to America’s at-risk youth.” 

Established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is one of the nation’s largest private foundations. Its mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and South Carolina by supporting selected programs of higher education, health care, children’s welfare, and spiritual life. 

Additional contributions to EYA were made by the Community Foundation of Henderson County and the SAS Institute, Inc. The Community Foundation of Henderson County supports charitable programs in the greater Henderson County area. Its donation, in the amount of $40,965, will be used specifically to support implementation at EYA’s Outdoor Therapeutic Program E-Toh-Kalu, in Hendersonville, N.C.

SAS Institute, Inc.’s $25,000 contribution will be used toward the purchase of computer hardware in support of implementation at all seven EYA programs in North Carolina. SAS is the market leader in providing a new generation of business intelligence software and services that create true enterprise intelligence. The SAS Institute takes pride in giving education the information needed to make the best decisions for more effective and efficient learning.

If you are interested in contributing to EYA, please visit the Web site, www.eckerd.org, for details or contact John Collins, Vice President, Development & Communications, at (727) 461-2990.