Announcing Launch for Go Local Card Sales 2014

Here’s the press release from the Asheville City Schools Foundation:

Third Time’s the Charm: Announcing Launch for Go Local Card Sales 2014

For three years now, The Asheville Grown Business Alliance (AGBA) and the Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF) have joined forces. More than a just a discount card, the Go Local Card highlights the importance of a thriving local economy and strong local public schools. The Go Local Card supports the mission of success for all Asheville City Schools students by funding teacher-led professional development grants, artists in residence, after-school enrichment, and scholarships to graduating seniors. Last year, card sales alone raised over $20,000 that was directly invested in the education of children.

During the month of November, the 2014 Go Local Card will be available for purchase exclusively through Asheville City Schools or PTOs and online at www.acsf.org and www.ashevillegrown.com. The cost is $15 with ten dollars from every card sale going to Asheville City Schools Foundation and a designated Asheville City School. The remaining $5 supports the efforts of Asheville Grown in our community. Parents and community members are encouraged to get their Go Local Cards early in November to yield the most benefit for their respective schools. Beginning December 1, the cards can be purchased online and through new official business partners paired with each Asheville City School.

Franzi Charen of Asheville Grown notes, “This card unites the children in our community with our local businesses in a way that benefits everyone. The messages of multi-national corporations are gaining a stronger foothold in our schools and as a leader in the local movement; we want Asheville to be a beacon highlighting a better way.”

Local businesses like the Fine Arts Theatre are offering a special deal for cardholders, and are also selling cards at their location with 100% of the proceeds benefiting school partner-Asheville High School (AHS). Manager Neal Reed’s passion for advocacy for public education was palpable in a recent meeting, stating “I’m in. Whatever we can do to help support our schools needs to be a priority.” Reed is also working with AHS PTO to host screenings of education based documentaries for the community.

Visit any of these locations to purchase a Go Local Card throughout the year with proceeds benefitting each partnering school:

• Asheville High School- Hip Replacements & Fine Arts Theatre
• Asheville Middle School-Malaprop’s Bookstore
• Claxton Elementary- Homegrown & Rosebud Video
• Hall Fletcher Elementary Short Street Cakes & BattleCat Coffee bar
• Ira B. Jones Elementary- The Hop
• Isaac Dickson Elementary-Second Gear
• Vance Elementary- West End Bakery & The Hop West

The success of this movement is evident as more partners jump on board. Mountain Express, the official Go Local media partner has agreed to produce 45,000 copies of a directory of participating businesses for distribution in early December. Time is running out to get listed for free in this directory. Local businesses have the opportunity to sign on to the program until November 1st. For more information and to sign on, go to ACSF’s website at www.acsf.org or ashevillegrown.com.