Operation Progress Receives a Substantial Donation NA13080cj

WHAT:
Media Availability

WHEN:
Thursday, May 16, 2013
10 a.m.

WHERE:
Verbum Dei High School (Outside Quad)
11100 South Central Avenue
Los Angeles, Calif. 90059

WHO:
City Councilmember Joe Buscaino
LAPD Chief Charlie Beck
Captain Phillip Tingerides, LAPD Southwest Area
Officers from LAPD Operation Progress
Officer Cecil Jones, Boston Police Department
Officer Steven Green, Boston Police Department
Rick J. Caruso, Founder and CEO of Caruso Affiliated
Steve Robinson, Donor and Board Member of Operation Progress
Janet Crown, Donor and Board Member of Operation Progress
Members of Community Safety Partnership Program
Scholarship Recipients and Teachers from St. Lawrence, Verbum Dei High School and St. Mary’s Academy

WHY:
Rick J. Caruso will present a check for $25,000 to Operation Progress, an organization located in the heart of Watts, that provides scholarships for students in elementary through high school with opportunities to succeed academically and personally.  Operation Progress is unique in its partnership with LAPD who provides mentoring to student participants.

In addition, Mr. Caruso will send off LAPD officers participating in the “Run to Remember” in Boston on Memorial Day weekend.  The “Run to Remember” commemorates fallen Police Officers.

The race takes on additional meaning this due to the recent Boston Marathon attack.  The LAPD team will also be taking letters of support and financial contributions raised by students in Operation Progress affiliated schools to the family of 8-year old victim Martin Richard. Two Boston Police Department officers will be present to receive the letters and contributions.

Caruso’s generous donation will help Operation Progress provide ten scholarships for elementary and high school students to attend local private schools.

The mission of Operation Progress is to empower disadvantaged youth to become educated, capable, ethical and productive citizens who eventually give back to their communities and society at large.  This is achieved by providing the critical elements of success with a guaranteed commitment to supporting students from first grade through high school and beyond.  The critical elements for success are achieved through our comprehensive program called the Ten Pillars of Success. The elements of the Ten Pillars are academics, arts, athletics, coping skills, long-term commitment, mentoring by LAPD officers and parent involvement.

For more information please contact LAPD Southwest Officer John Coughlin at 310-722-6444.