Wal-Mart Supports Furman University's Bridges to a Brighter Future Program

GREENVILLE, SC — May 12, 2009 — Wal-Mart’s Private Fleet Transportation Office in Laurens, S.C., has made a $5,000 gift to support Furman University’s Bridges to a Brighter Future program.

        The Bridges program is an academic enrichment program for Greenville County high school students in grades 9-12.  The program equips them with the tools and support needed to graduate from high school and enroll in post-secondary education.

        “The kids in the Bridges Program have a door open to them that wasn’t there a generation ago,” said Laura Anderson, general transportation manager of Wal-Mart’s Private Fleet Transportation Office in Laurens. “They are filled with hope and enthusiasm for their futures. Their passion for the program is obvious and has me excited about all that these young adults are accomplishing. Our office is proud to support Bridges to a Brighter Future.”        Bridges engages students in an intensive three-year program that includes a four-week, summer residential experience on the Furman campus and year-round support and encouragement through Saturday College.   It transforms students’ lives by building academic success, self-confidence, resiliency, leadership and character.

        “We are thrilled to have the support of Wal-Mart’s Fleet Transportation Office,” said Tobi K. Swartz, director of Bridges to a Brighter Future. “Wal-Mart consistently supports important educational initiatives in our community and schools. With this support, we will be able to provide our Bridges students with intensive leadership development training that will enhance our academic and personal development experiences.”        While the economic crisis continues to have an impact around the globe, community programs that address hunger, homelessness, education, job training and other basic needs have come to rely on Wal-Mart’s long-term commitment to giving back locally.

        The company stepped up charitable giving globally from Feb. 1, 2008 through Jan. 31, 2009 with more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts, an $85.6 million increase over its global giving in the previous year.

        Go to http://www.furman.edu/bridges/ to learn more about the program, or contact Tobi Swartz at (864) 294-3135 or Laura Anderson at (864) 682-1580.

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5-12-09