Smith School of Business donates eight libraries through Shanghai fundraiser
WHO’S GIVING: University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. W.R. Grace, Black & Decker and Under Armour
WHO’S RECEIVING: The Library Project, a nonprofit organization that donated books and libraries to underfinanced schools and orphanages in China
WHAT’S BEEN GIVEN: $6,000 to build eight libraries in China
BACKGROUND: The money raised at the Smith School’s Team Maryland Thanksgiving Charity Fundraising Dinner in Shanghai will help build eight libraries in China. Nearly 150 people attended the fundraising dinner Nov. 24. Corporate sponsors – many of them Maryland-based companies such as Black & Decker and Under Armour – provided cash gifts and products for auction. Through donations and ticket sales, sponsors and participants ensured that the event drew funds equal to the amount needed to construct eight libraries. The following day Team Maryland, which consisted of 70 alumni and students, ran in the fundraiser. Donations will go toward books, furniture, supplies and librarian training at schools in Anhui Province, Maryland’s sister state in China. The Library Project has a goal to construct and equip more than 80 libraries for orphanages and elementary schools in rural China by 2008 and 350 libraries by 2010.
A FEW WIRDS FROM THE SPONSOR: “Business leaders need to be socially responsible leaders,” says Howard Frank, dean of the Robert H. Smith School of Business. “The Smith School is committed to providing opportunities for students to have an impact on the environment and humanity as well as to share resources that have a positive impact on China and China’s development.”
About The Library Project
The Library Project is dedicated to improving children’s literacy worldwide. We envision a world where every child has access to a quality education, and that starts with literacy. Since 2006, The Library Project has benefited 1,500,000 children, established 8,000 libraries, and donated 2,400,000 books.
Our programs include Reading Rooms, Reading Corners, Book Donations, Children’s Literacy Bags, Literacy Programs, Teacher Training, Parent Engagement Workshops, and Capacity Building for global literacy organizations. We support rural and urban schools, community centers, refugee camps, and homes. We work in over twenty countries throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
For more information, visit www.library-project.org.