For Immediate Release Contact: 304-327-4096

NAGC “Champagne for a Cause”
Proceeds Benefit West Virginia Access Center
for Higher Education

During its 2006 annual convention, the National Association for Gifted Children’s “Champagne for a Cause” event raised $2,500 to benefit the work of the West Virginia Access Center for Higher Education, Inc.

The NAGC’s convention, held in Charlotte, N.C. November 1–5, convened more than 1,200 teachers, administrators, researchers, counselors, parents and gifted advocates from all over the nation to learn and share ideas for supporting gifted students, particularly low-income and disadvantaged youth.

West Virginia native and author Homer Hickam, whose best-selling Rocket Boy: A Memoir was made into the major motion picture October Sky, presented the closing keynote address of the conference. Given the opportunity to designate a not-for-profit organization to receive the proceeds of the “Champagne for a Cause” benefit, Hickam chose the WVACHE.

A not-for-profit organization established in 1998, the WVACHE awards grants on a competitive basis to high schools throughout West Virginia for projects that encourage students to aspire to, prepare for and pursue higher education. The 13 high schools currently being funded have increased their college-going rates by an average of 57 percent since launching their WVACHE Access Projects.

“We are thrilled that, out of all the worthy entities that Homer Hickam could have selected for “Champagne for a Cause,” he chose to support the WVACHE,” said Sarita A. Rhonemus, WVACHE executive director. “In addition, we greatly appreciate the effort and creativity of the NAGC in organizing this outstanding charitable event. Not only has it provided financial support for our Access program to encourage more Mountain State students to go to college, but it has also raised awareness of our efforts among a nationwide audience.”

The WVACHE is funded by grants and donations from a variety of agencies, businesses and individuals. For more information about the WVACHE or to make a financial contribution, please contact WVACHE Executive Director Sarita A. Rhonemus at 304-327-4096. Donations received before March 15, 2007 may be eligible for a state tax credit to offset certain West Virginia taxes under the Neighborhood Investment Program, an initiative of the West Virginia Development Office.

February 20, 2007