May 23, 2006
Governor Rell Announces Bank of America Donation of State Park Passes for Foster Families
$10,000 Grant From Bank Extends Reach Of State’s No Child Left Inside Initiative
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state’s No Child Left Inside initiative to get children and families outdoors will include special outreach to foster families through a grant from Bank of America that will make free passes to Connecticut’s state parks available to them.
At a ceremony at Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury, Governor Rell announced that Bank of America is making a $10,000 contribution to the Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents (CAFAP), to offer the passes to approximately 2,500 foster families in the state. CAFAP will purchase the passes – which are good for free parking at all major state parks where parking fees are charged – from Connecticut’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
"Bank of America has stepped forward with a generous grant that will encourage foster families to spend more time together outdoors in our beautiful state parks," said Governor Rell. "Bank of America’s support for our foster families is an example of corporate citizenship at its best and I thank them for it.
"The bank’s gift also is an example of the creative steps we can take to build even more momentum for the No Child Left Inside initiative," said the Governor. "This important program is focused on teaching children healthy lifestyles and a respect for the environment. We must bring all our resources and ideas together to combat the serious problem of childhood obesity."
"At Bank of America we take our involvement in the community very seriously, which is why we are thrilled to partner with the Governor, DEP, DCF, and CAFAP to make our state parks more accessible," said Susan Rottner, President of Bank of America in Connecticut. "Foster families provide an invaluable service not only to the children they take in, but to the entire state. Providing state park passes to foster families is one way for us to show our gratitude."
"Foster families across the state appreciate the support Bank of America is providing for them," said Jean Fiorito, Executive Director of CAFAP. "Like any other family, foster families will benefit from the chance to spend time together at the beach, on a hike, or having a picnic. I know many foster families will take advantage of this opportunity to obtain a free state parking pass and make good use of it."
Also attending the ceremony were:
 | Commissioner Gina McCarthy of DEP, which administers the state park system and is coordinating the state’s No Child Left Inside initiative; |
| Commissioner Darlene Dunbar of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), which is responsible for the state’s foster care services. |
State park passes – such as those being offered to foster families – cover the cost of parking at parks where parking fees are charged. These parks include several along Long Island Sound – such as Hammonasset, Rocky Neck, Harkness, and Sherwood Island – as well as parks like Chatfield Hollow, Lake Waramaug, Mashamoquet Brook, Stratton Brook, and People’s State Forest.
The park passes are sold by DEP at a cost of $40 for Connecticut residents and $60 for out-of-state residents. Further information on state park passes is available on the DEP web site at www.dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/recinfo/passes.htm.
Partners in Foster Family Park Pass Project
| Connecticut Association of Adoptive and Foster Parents (CAFAP) is a non-profit organization based in Rocky Hill that offers support and assistance to families who provide a foster home or adopt a child. |
| The Bank of America Charitable Foundation embarked in 2005 on an unprecedented $1.5 billion philanthropic goal over the next ten years. The bank has announced it will donate $200 million nationwide in 2006, making Bank of America one of the most generous corporate donors in the country. In Connecticut alone, Bank of America provides approximately $3 million in community support through charitable giving, sponsorships, and support for civic organizations. |
No Child Left Inside Initiative
No Child Left Inside is a new state initiative designed to reconnect youngsters with the outdoors, build the next generation of environmental stewards and showcase Connecticut’s state parks and forests.
Governor Rell launched the initiative – which is being coordinated by DEP – at a ceremony at Dinosaur State Park on March 22. The initiative includes:
| The Great Park Pursuit, The Connecticut State Parks Family Adventure, a game that will take Connecticut families to eight different state parks and forests this summer; |
| An enhanced State Park Interpretive Program to increase the number of natural, educational, cultural and historical activities in the parks; |
| A variety of new programs focused on the outdoors being developed by DEP in cooperation with other state agencies, schools, libraries and a number of organizations across the state. |
Further information about No Child Left Inside is available at www.nochildleftinside.org.
Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests
DEP operates 105 state parks and oversees 32 state forests. The state park system dates back to the early years of the 20th century. These lands include:
| 19 swimming areas and beaches; |
| Nine historic sites of significance; |
| More than 800 miles of hiking trails; |
| 230 lakes and ponds; |
| 2,000 miles of rivers and streams; |
| 1,300 campsites at 14 state parks for both tent and RV camping; |
| More than 100 public boat launch areas. |
Further information on the state park system is available at www.dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/index.htm.
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