DCSF announces major contributions toward $1 million goal

Demopolis’ Chamber After Hours, normally a casual gathering of the city’s business leaders, turned into a celebration at the Coplin Building Thursday evening.

The Demopolis City Schools Foundation used the occasion to announce two major contributions, and Chamber of Commerce officials also used the opportunity to introduce its new President and Office Manager.

Peter Michael Reynolds, chairman of the DCSF Endowment Committee, announced that Mary Lane Caldwell has pledged $25,000 toward the Foundation’s “Hallelujah Goal” of $1 million. He noted that Mrs. Caldwell believes that supporting the local school system is of utmost importance to a community, as did her late husband, John.

Reynolds also noted that local businessman J.R. Rivas has pledged $50,000 to the Foundation.

Speaking prior to Reynolds, DCSF Executive Director Amanda Barnes said that 2014 is the $1 million year for the Foundation. The goal is to raise $1 million for the endowment and also cross the $1 million mark in grants to Demopolis City Schools’ in the same year. The Foundation has awarded $950,000 in grants to date, and the endowment currently stands at $825,000 with Thursday’s contributions.

Also at the After Hours, John Scales of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce introduced new Executive Director Michael Kennedy and Office Manager Mallie Quarles.