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Oprah's Big Give Helps Set Up Scholarship Fund For Homeless Georgia Youth

Friday, March 14, 2008 – updated: 3:59 pm EDT March 14, 2008

In the spirit of the inspiring new reality series Oprah's BIG GIVE, ABC handed over $10,000 to WSB-TV, Channel 2 with the challenge: give back to the community in a big way. That $10,000 began to grow immediately when Channel 2 called on its Family 2 Family partners. Each partner pledged its support of the project.

WSB-TV's campaign tackles education of Georgia's homeless youth head on. Through its partnership with the Children's Restoration Network of Atlanta, the project will create an endowment for the New Hope Scholarship program. This scholarship program has been in existence since 2005, providing financial assistance to 19 deserving seniors who reside in group homes or homeless shelters throughout metro Atlanta.

Jovita Moore, Channel 2 news anchor, will lead the campaign through Public Service Announcements on WSB-TV. Her messages will raise awareness for CRN's mission and explain the various methods for donating to the cause.

"We hope to turn this $10,000 challenge into a major scholarship endowment that will help Atlanta students for years to come," said Moore.

"And, it's not all about money," she continued. "Oprah's Big Give 2 Georgia will raise awareness for CRN's tutorial program: Project One on One. The program conducts once a week in-shelter mentoring for homeless children in Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb and Cobb counties. Through Oprah's Big Give 2 Georgia campaign, we will recruit mentors to work with these deserving kids."

To learn more about the Children's Restoration Network and becoming a mentor click here.

"I am really moved by the eager participation of our Family 2 Family and other corporate partners," said Bill Hoffman, WSB-TV vice president and general manager. "You could really feel the excitement in the room as we all came together to wrap our arms around this project," he continued. "I can't wait to see the difference it will make in the lives of these young people. I want to thank ABC and Oprah's Big Give for this amazing opportunity for Channel 2 to give back to the Atlanta community in such a meaningful way."

Starting immediately, the public can contribute online and grow this fund. Just go to www.wsbtv.com and click on the Oprah's Big Give button or just click here.

Kroger will spearhead a "round up" program, March 30 through April 6, at over 100 Kroger stores across Georgia. People checking out can opt to have their bill rounded up. That small change, one customer at a time, raises big money.

Also, on April 14 and April 15, Waffle House locations will donate 15 cents from every waffle sold to the project. Waffle House took another step beyond money. It has offered jobs to each senior identified by the Children’s Restoration Network, to help them get a running start at life.

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