How The Giving Spirit came to be:
Jessica was inspired by Tom’s event Pencil’s & Champagne and this is
The Pencils & Champagne Story…..
By Tom P.
One of my clients provides free tutoring services to economically disadvantaged public school children in New York City. I asked him one day what are some of the items that these school children need the most. To my surprise, one of the things he mentioned was the need for basic school supplies, such as pencils and notebooks; items that most people take for granted, but are in short supply in the homes of these school children.
I set about creating a way to collect these essential school supplies. At the same time, I wanted to find a way to bring people together to become aware of the issue while being in a social, fun setting. I decided that a get-together would do the trick. Pencils & Champagne was born.
The Pencil & Champagne get-together was a tremendous success. Not only was the issue of limited school supplies brought to everyone’s attention, but everyone had a great time and over $1,000 in school supplies was collected. These school supplies (consisting of pencils, pens, notebooks, rulers, markers, colored pencils, and pencil sharpeners) were carefully packaged into 100 large envelopes and hand delivered to Public School 1 in the Bronx a few days before Labor Day 2009. Here is the follow-up message from PS 1:
Good Evening, Mr. Pogacnik
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of our parents and students, whom I KNOW appreciate your good gesture in giving them these items. Most of our parents and students are very needy. I would also like to thank you on behalf of our school.
If there is anything that we can do for you please do not hesitate to ask.
Angelica Arroyo
Parent Coordinator
Public School 1X
District 07
347-563-5208
