C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook: Gives nearly $1,500 to two schools in inaugural donations

C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook Gives Nearly $1,500 to Two Schools in Inaugural Donations

Swanson Elementary, Brookfield Central High School Receive Funds

CONTACT: Rick Moon, Lunar Communications, (414) 791-0080 or rick@lunarcommunications.us

Brookfield, Wis. – In its inaugural round of donations since launching a year ago, the C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook gave nearly $1,500 this week to two schools in the Elmbrook School District, reflecting the support and participation of both consumers and businesses in the program.

The C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook donated $984.80 to Swanson Elementary School and $506.10 to Brookfield Central High School. The money can be used at the individual schools’ discretion, with no strings attached.

Swanson Elementary will buy classroom library books with its newly-donated funds. Brookfield Central will use its donation toward the purchase of telescoping seating platforms for the Black Box Theater, which will provide better audience seating and easier set-up and takedown.

The C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook is a consumer-focused initiative that brings together residents and businesses to support schools in the Elmbrook district. Anyone can sign up as a C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook member, and provide additional funding to schools of their choice by patronizing local businesses in the program. All public and private schools are included.

“We are extremely pleased to make this first round of donations to local schools, which represents an exciting step in growth of the C.A.R.I.N.G. Group and a symbol of the successful partnership it’s forged between consumers and local businesses,” said Tom Gaumond, President of The C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook. “We plan to make donations every month, and encourage everyone to join in to provide extra money to their favorite schools.”

Consumers can register as C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook members at www.thecaringgroup.org. When they purchase products and services from participating businesses, a portion of the sale is donated to the member’s chosen school(s). Members select their schools when signing up.

No dues, fees or upfront costs are involved for either members or businesses. Members simply mention their C.A.R.I.N.G. Group affiliation to businesses when making a purchase, and a phone number they used to sign up.

C.A.R.I.N.G. stands for Companies Actively Reinvesting In Neighborhood Growth. The concept was originally developed by Todd Ruedt, a Brookfield native and owner of Grounds Maintenance Services, as a dual means to support schools and the local economy. All businesses involved in the program are based in the Elmbrook School District, or have an owner who lives in the district.

Businesses interested in participating in the C.A.R.I.N.G. Group can also sign up at www.thecaringgroup.org. The web site is filled with information about how the program operates, including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. Those unable to find desired information can e-mail questions to info@thecaringgroup.org.