COMCAST AND THE RON CLARK ACADEMY MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT THE GATEWAY CENTER

The Ron Clark Academy (RCA) and Ron Clark Academy Parents (RCAP) partnered with Comcast for their 10^th Anniversary of Comcast Cares Day 2011.  RCA staff, students, and parents joined Comcast employees and community volunteers to feed approximately 350 individuals at the Gateway Center on Saturday, April 30, 2011. 

The Gateway Center’s mission is to end homelessness, and particularly chronic homelessness, by providing the support individuals need to achieve self-sufficiency. 

“We’re pleased to partner with the Ron Clark Academy students, educators, and parents to assist the Gateway Center during the 10^th Comcast Cares Day,” said Andy Macke, vice president of government and community affairs for Comcast’s Atlanta region.  “The Gateway Center plays such a vital role in the fight to end homelessness in our community, and I’m so appreciative of the 60 volunteers who will be donating their time to make an impact on their lives of individuals who depend on the Gateway for assistance and support.”

Volunteers completed a variety of projects at The Gateway Center including preparing hot meals, cleaning, and landscaping.   The Gateway depends on corporate and community organizations to donate food on the weekend and volunteer to provide added support.  RCA staff, parents, and students along with Comcast employees planted flowers, served food, provided manicures and socialized with families currently residing at Gateway.

“This day of service allowed our children to be actively engaged in making a difference in their lives of others.  I truly believe that it is through service that they will have a greater appreciation for everything they have been afforded,” said Timithia Cofer, chair of RCAP. 

On Comcast Cares Day, more than 62,000 Comcast volunteers participated in this annual day of service, which is one of the largest single days of corporate volunteer efforts in the country.  In Atlanta, 2,500 individual participated in more than 30 projects throughout the metropolitan area.  This is Comcast’s 10^th Comcast Cares Day and the eighth year the event was held in Atlanta.  This is the second year that Comcast has partnered with RCA to participate in this annual day of service.