Chattanooga, TENN (February 21, 2011) // On March 8, from 4 - 11 pm, the Brainerd location of Chili's Grill & Bar is teaming up with Re:Start - The Center for Adult Education to invest in Re:Start's GED® scholarship fund. Patrons who bring in a flyer will see 10% of their bill donated to helping students in financial need to reach their goal of earning a high school equivalency diploma.
This time last year, the fund was established with the help of Baylor ninth-grader and Signal Mountain resident Aliza Cohen. In lieu of gifts, Cohen asked guests at her bat mitzvah to donate money to create a GED® scholarship fund for Re:Start. Since then, the fund has been sustained through regular donations from the Judge David Campbell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as gifts from individual donors.
In the year since the scholarship fund began, thirteen Re:Start students have received scholarships that have allowed them to complete their GED® test - something they may not have been able to accomplish without this financial assistance.
The Re:Start GED® program provides classes, tutoring, and practice tests to prepare its diverse student body for the eight-hour exam - many of whom go on to get better jobs or enter college. Though there is no fee for the Re:Start program, the GED® test costs $55, which can be a huge barrier for many Re:Start students.
"We are very appreciative of the opportunity to partner with Chili's and our community," says Lori Hairrell, Executive Director of Re:Start. "Removing this barrier for students who have demonstrated excellence in their learning, yet can't afford to take the actual exam helps more than just the individual - it provides our community with more college graduates, lower unemployment numbers, and a better educated workforce."
"If parents are educated and get a GED®, it will be more likely for the future generation of the family to get a high school education," said Aliza Cohen in 2010. "That will hopefully break the cycle of high school dropouts."
Please join Re:Start at the Brainerd Chili's (5637 Brainerd Rd) On March 8, anytime between 4pm and 11 pm. Whether you come for the baby back ribs or just want to grab dessert, one small night on the town can result in a huge benefit to your community.
If you can't make it to Chili's, please consider donating to the scholarship fund via Re:Start's website: www.restartchattanooga.org.
For more information on the event or the fund, please contact Re:Start at 423.855.4443 or info@restartchattanooga.org.
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For all media inquiries, or for high resolution images please contact Alison Burke 423.855.4443 or aliburke@restartchattanooga.org
Make sure to print and give this flyer to your server.
