NACS Foundation Donates $12,000 to Build New School

Torchlight  |  Spring 2008

Those who have read Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time will remember that according to Greg Mortenson it takes $12,000 to build a school in the remote mountains of Central Asia. At the Book & Author Breakfast at CAMEX 2008 in San Antonio, TX, the NACS Foundation presented Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute with a check for $12,000 to build one.

The presentation drew a standing ovation from more than 1,000 attendees, who had been moved by the story of the homeless mountaineer who set out to climb Pakistan's treacherous K2, the world's second tallest mountain, in 1993. Dangerously ill and lost, Mortenson was sheltered for seven weeks by the small, impoverished Pakistani village of Korphe. In gratitude, he promised to build them a school, a project that grew into the Central Asia Institute.

"It was a thrill to be a witness to this generous contribution," expressed Diane Bruno, customer service/order processing manager, Pearson. "This donation gave me some insight on what the NACS Foundation supports and what its mission is. It completely defines the Foundation's purpose that education is such an integral part of our lives. When the $12,000 check was presented to Greg from the NACS Foundation, I knew that somewhere in this great world of ours, this contribution would change the lives of children and somehow make a difference."

Since 1996, Mortenson has built more than 60 schools—especially for young girls—that offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. Each one of Central Asia Institute's projects is locally initiated and involves community participation. A committee of elders guides each selected project. Before a project starts, the community matches project funds with equal amounts of local resources and labor.

So why build a school in Pakistan or Afghanistan? Members of the Foundation Board familiar with the story behind Three Cups of Tea ultimately saw the contribution to be in line with the broader Foundation vision—building a better tomorrow for the college store industry.

"The Foundation feels that our mission of education extends beyond our industry and our realm. The value of Greg's presentation and inspiring words to our membership helped set such a great tone that our donation to help the less fortunate was truly an extremely positive moment for our wonderful industry," described Mark Palmore, NACS Foundation president.
 

Not only were attendees at the Book & Author Breakfast filled with positive emotions when the $12,000 check was presented, Mortenson was also truly moved by the Foundation's generosity and support. Palmore explained, "Greg was so moved and emotional during the session, that I could see it in his eyes how much the Foundation and the entire college store industry meant to him and his charity when I presented him with the check. I am not ashamed to say that I too was fighting back tears when he asked me to announce the gift. It was a moment I will never forget."
 

When this initiative began, the cost for Mortenson to build a new school was around $12,000. The price is now around $50,000, which includes building and an endowment for three to five years, depending on the size. The $12,000 donation from the Foundation will go towards a planned school to be built next year. For more information on the Central Asia Institute visit www.ikat.org.
 

The $12,000 donation was funded by the NACS Foundation Russell L. Reynolds Memorial Fund. The fund was created in 1992 to provide educational opportunities for those who have dedicated their professional lives to the love of books and education.

The NACS Foundation supports initiatives that make NACS education programs accessible to a wider range of professionals, enables research that addresses issues of fundamental importance to the college store industry, and builds strategic partnerships in support of the National Association of College Stores.
 

For more information on the NACS Foundation or to a donation to support future industry initiatives, contact Executive Director DeAnn Hazey at (800) 622-74-98, ext. 2286, e-mail dhazey@nacs.org.

-Meredith Bruder