SAVE OUR SPORTS PRESS CONFERENCE: STAUNCH MOUNT VERNON SUPPORTER, JEFF COONEY, DONATES $25,000 TO HELP SAVE ATHLETICS PROGRAM

July 18, 2008;

Mount Vernon, NY— The rich tradition of high school sports in Mount Vernon is in jeopardy, but individuals are starting to give, and they’re giving big.  On Thursday, July 10 ^th  Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr. welcomed Mr. Jeff Cooney, former Mount Vernon resident, award winning film director, and Holy Cross wide receiver, to City Hall as the first major donor to step up and give to the campaign to Save Our Sports in Mount Vernon.  Mayor Young and Mr. Cooney was joined by School Superintendent Dr. Tony Sawyer, the City Council, members of the Board of Education, and other city and school officials.

Jeff Cooney has shown a consistent display of generosity, already giving $25,000 a year to Mount Vernon’s Football Program for the past five years to run “Play It Smart” a mentoring program sponsored by The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame.

Two weeks ago, the defeat of the Mount Vernon school budget forced the school district into an austerity spending plan. As a result interscholastic sports program has been cut from the school budget. The next day, Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr. announced the Mayor’s Committee to Save Our Sports which will work to raise $950,000 in private funds to save all interscholastic sports.

Mayor Young also announced a main fundraising initiative within Save Our Sports that will call upon 5,000 individuals to give $100 to save our athletics program in Mount Vernon.  All those who can attend the press conference with their checks in hand will be greatly appreciated.

Contributions are 100% tax deductible.  Checks can be made out to: “Mount Vernon Educational Foundation, Inc.” with a Memo: “Sports” or “Save Our Sports” and sent to:

Ms. Ronnie Cox, President

Mount Vernon Educational Foundation

P.O. Box 476

Fleetwood Station

Mount Vernon , NY 10552