Greenville, SC – Comedian and former host of the Colbert Report, Steven Colbert, has decided to fund over 1,000 school programs for South Carolina schools. Colbert, at a conference sponsored by DonorsChooese.org in New York, announced the funding via video feed shown during an event held at Alexander Elementary School in Greenville.
The South Carolina Native has partnered with The Morgridge Family Foundation’s Share Fair Nation and Greenville’s own ScanSource that helped set DonorsChoose.org, a crowdfunding non-profit that helps teachers get the materials they need.
According to news outlet GreenvilleOnline Colbert said in his announcement:
“Using the proceeds of the sale of my old set on The Colbert Report which we auctioned off, and with the generous matching funds from The Morgridge Family Foundation and ScanSource, DonorsChoose is going to flash-fund all 1,000 projects in South Carolina. Enjoy your learning, South Carolina.”
The total being funded is $800,000.
Alexander Elementary teacher Damon Qualls joined Colbert in New York and has used DonorsChoose.org to fund 126 of his classroom projects, including five that will be part of the flash-fund.
Local and state school officials such as Superintendent Molly Spearman also attended the event. GreenvilleOnline met with Spearman who said that:
“There are going to be some happy, happy teachers across the state. This is Teacher Appreciation Week, so what a great way to say ‘thank you teachers for what you’re doing every day.’”
Contributed by Audrey L. Hollingshead.
Source: Carey Nathaniel on the GreenvilleOnline news wevsite: Stephen Colbert funds thousands in SC teacher grant requests