VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, July 9, 2007 -- A joint effort between Norfolk's vice mayor and a local homebuilder will help Coleman Place Elementary School students pay for their school uniforms this fall.
The Norfolk School Board approved a mandatory uniform policy for the school on May 16. That prompted Norfolk Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot and local developer/builder Don Weeks of Golden Heritage Homes to start a fundraising campaign called "Look Sharp, Be Proud Coleman Place."
"Coleman Place has many struggling families, and it will be a big burden off parents' shoulders to know there is money available to help with the uniforms," said Burfoot. "These students will be entering a new, state-of-the-art elementary school, and we want all of them to look their best and be proud."
Weeks, the president of Golden Heritage Homes headquartered in Virginia Beach, built an affordable housing subdivision of 29-homes called Cape Henry of Norfolk near the school.
"Building affordable housing and helping communities reach higher makes us all better," said Weeks, whose new homes ended 20 years of no development in the neighborhood.
Weeks will deliver an initial check for $1,500 to the school in July and is in the process of contacting his subcontractors and friends for their support. Burfoot is also contacting his friends and colleagues to raise money for the uniforms. They hope to raise $20,000.
The uniforms will consist of khaki pants, skorts or jumpers with burgundy tops. One complete uniform costs between $30 - $40. There will be approximately 700 students attending the school in the fall.
The new Coleman Place Elementary School replaces its predecessor, an 81-year-old school in such bad shape it drew national attention in 1999 as a prime example of our county's decaying public schools.
Businesses, organizations and citizens who would like to contribute to the campaign can make their money order or check payable to Coleman Place Elementary School and mail it by August 10 to:
Coleman Place Elementary School
Attn: Asst. Principal Evelyn Orton
2450 Rush St.
Norfolk, VA 23513-4492
Media Contacts:
Anthony Burfoot, Norfolk Vice Mayor - ph: 636-4709
Don Weeks, President, Golden Heritage Homes - ph: 288-2000
Callie Richardson, Principal, Coleman Place Elementary School - ph: 852-4641
About Golden Heritage Homes
Golden Heritage Homes of Virginia Beach is one of the
premier homebuilders in Hampton Roads, specializing
in luxury and affordable homes that feature high quality
construction, unique architecture, and energy efficiency.
Joint Effort To Help Coleman Place Students Buy School Uniforms
