Jenny Jones Gives a Quarter of a Million Dollars to Teachers Across America

Jenny Jones Gives a Quarter of a Million Dollars to Teachers Across America

Former Syndicated Talk Show Host's Philanthropic Program Jenny's Heroes Addresses National Cut in Education Spending

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when schools nationwide are slashing budgets, including 31 states with a total budget shortfall exceeding $40 billion, former national talk show host Jenny Jones is stepping in to help. She is donating $250,000 worth of school supplies and equipment to teachers in classrooms across the United States. "Teachers' Month" is a highlight of Jones' Jenny's Heroes program, a year-long philanthropic initiative to help local communities, and reflects one of the largest private donations to public school teachers nationwide.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080908/LAM025)

Jones' donations will benefit schools in at least 15 different states by providing everything from books and computers to robots, musical instruments, a lighted school sign, first aid supplies, even tools for developing alternative fuels. Jones already surprised Debbie Stikeleather, a teacher at Katella High School in Anaheim, California, with the news of her grant to purchase new books for the school. The class personally presented Jones with a big "Thank You" card. Jones will continue to make surprise phone calls throughout September responding to requests ranging from $3,000 up to $25,000 submitted to Jenny's Heroes (http://www.jennysheroes.com/).

"As a high school dropout, I faced a lot of challenges in the real world. The lesson I learned is that education is vital not just for a successful career, but also for your self confidence. That's why after seven years on television, I still went back and got my GED, something that I'm still very proud of today," said Jones. "Through Jenny's Heroes, I've received hundreds of requests from teachers, many of whom are paying for books and supplies with their own money. Our schools need us and I hope to make a difference that helps more of our children succeed in life."

Schools in Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia are among those scheduled to receive grants. Jenny's Heroes, which has already donated $500,000 to community improvement projects, is giving away $1 million through 2008. Potential applicants are encouraged to go online to tell Jones how much good they could do in their local communities with up to $25,000. Teachers are still invited to apply for the September grants.

About Jenny's Heroes:

Former syndicated talk show host Jenny Jones is empowering individuals to make a lasting impact on their community. Through her foundation, Jenny is giving away $1 million of her own money. Her Jenny's Heroes program (http://www.jennysheroes.com/) awards grants of up to $25,000 to individuals who submit the best ideas for tangible, lasting community projects chosen for their significant long term benefits.

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Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080908/LAM025
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Source: Jenny's Heroes

CONTACT: Kelly Vogt Campbell of Verse Communications, +1-818-981-3023,
kelly@verseinc.com, for Jenny's Heroes

Web site: http://www.jennysheroes.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment