PNA Foundation Challenges Pa. Newspapers to 'Pay It Forward'

PNA Foundation Challenges Pa. Newspapers to 'Pay It Forward'

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- If I pay you a good deed, don't pay it back, pay it forward. That's the idea behind the Pennsylvania Newspapers "Pay It Forward" challenge, a contest designed to raise the profile of newspapers in communities across Pennsylvania.

In the challenge, individual newspapers will award a cash prize (determined by each individual paper) to the area resident who submits the most innovative plan to carry out a good deed using the winnings. Ideas could include covering medical expenses for an ailing neighbor, cleaning up a community park, or even investing the prize money to make even more money for a worthy cause. Contestants are encouraged to think outside the box and stretch their dollars.

Last October, staff from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association (PNA) Foundation set out to change the perception that newspapers are on the downturn and should be applauded for the vital and unique role they play in their communities. Day after day, readers turn to their newspapers for coverage of local news and events. With this kind of reach and influence, the PNA Foundation felt that sponsoring a statewide Pay It Forward challenge would be an excellent way to encourage acts of kindness throughout Pennsylvania communities. Newspapers plan to run feature articles on the winners and their acts of kindness.

Inspired by Oprah Winfrey's Pay It Forward Challenge, the PNA Foundation created its own version of the Pay It Forward campaign. Approximately 70 newspapers are participating in the Pennsylvania initiative, and the list of participants continues to grow.

The PNA Foundation, established in 1967, is a tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation under IRS code 501(c)(3). Its mission is to improve newspapers through education and training programs and to develop a better understanding in the public and private sectors about the role of newspapers.

   CONTACT:   Lauren Lee, Director, PNA Foundation   E-mail: laurenl@pa-news.org   Phone: (717) 703-3002   Jane Hungarter, VP, Marketing and Communications, PNA   E-mail: janeh@pa-news.org   Phone: (717) 703-3041  

Source: PNA Foundation

CONTACT: Lauren Lee, Director, +1-717-703-3002, laurenl@pa-news.org, or
Jane Hungarter, VP, Marketing and Communications, +1-717-703-3041,
janeh@pa-news.org, both of PNA Foundation

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