Fundraising Challenge To Benefit Bucks County Peace Center

LANGHORNE, PA — The Peace Center has announced a fundraising challenge that will help bring its peace making and bully-free educational programs into more schools from kindergarten to high school.

Thanks to the generous support of the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund, all donations made to the Peace Center between now and March 31 will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000.

"The Peace Center's educational programs make a difference, providing students with the social and emotional strategies needed to help break the cycle of bullying while also helping them develop empathy and self-esteem – all essential tools that will carry them into adulthood," said Peace Center leaders. "The match challenge is the perfect opportunity for Peace Center supporters to double the impact of their donations."

Through the match challenge, every dollar donated will have twice the effect, allowing the Peace Center to bring its programs into more schools, benefiting more students and, ultimately, benefiting communities as a whole, said the Peace Center leaders.

The Peace Center's school programs include "STAR," a classroom-based social and emotional program for grades 2 to 4 that strengthens character while also helping to create bully-free classrooms; "Little Lessons for Big Hearts," a social and emotional intelligence program for ages 3 to 7; and "Celebrating Me, Celebrating You," which teaches 4th and 5th graders how to celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes and prejudice and engage in respectful dialogue around differences.

Other programs include "Boy Meets Self," which teaches boys in grades 4 to 8 how to recognize and manage emotions; "Girls Unlimited," an interactive program to decrease aggression between middle school girls by teaching peaceful conflict resolution; "THRIVE," a high school program providing tools, strategies and life skills for students as they enter the next stage of their lives; and "SPEAK," which trains high school students to be advocates, peace builders and change makers in their schools, communities and the world.

To participate in the match challenge, donate between now and March 31 by visiting http://www.thepeacecenter.org or mailing donations to: March Match Challenge, c/o The Peace Center, 102 W. Maple Ave.,Langhorne 19047-2820.

"The Peace Center is grateful to the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund for their generous support and for providing this incredible opportunity," said Peace Center leaders.

For more information about the match challenge or the mission of The Peace Center, contact Lisa Litovsky atllitovsky@thepeacecenter.org or call 215-750-7220, ext. 1104.