National PTA Announces Award for Outstanding Commitment to America’s Children

Target to be honored at September Gala

Online Photo Gallery of 2005 Gala now posted.

CHICAGO (August 16, 2005) —National PTA, the nation's largest association of parents working to support parent involvement in schools so children succeed and learning environments improve, announces Target as the recipient of the 2005 National PTA Commitment to America’s Children award. Target will be honored at a national gala dinner on Wednesday, September 14 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

The Commitment to America’s Children award celebrates exceptional and distinguished service to the nation’s communities by supporting education and children. The purpose of this award is to recognize dedication and leadership on behalf of children, families, and schools. Recipients are those who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their commitment to supporting parent involvement in schools; improving educational opportunities for all children; and being a voice on education, health, and safety issues that have an impact on children and families.

"National PTA applauds Target for being a true advocate for children and education,” said National PTA President Anna Weselak. "Target has shown continued dedication to the school communities in which it does business and we are delighted to honor them.”

Target demonstrates its commitment to education through signature programs that benefit students, educators, schools and parents. Take Charge of Education, a school fundraising program, has contributed more than $139 million to K – 12 schools across the country since Target launched the program in 1997.  Target and the Tiger Woods Foundation created Start Something, a free, nationwide character education, career exploration and service learning program. More than 2.9 million youth and more than 79,000 teachers and youth leaders have participated in the program since its 2000 launch.

In partnership with the United States Department of Education, Target developed Ready. Sit. Read! to encourage a love of reading in children, which includes partnerships with Reach Out and Read and the Library of Congress in addition to sponsorship of family book festivals across the country.  High school seniors and undergraduate college students benefit from the Target All-Around Scholarship, which awards more than $625,000 in scholarships each year.    

“Target created specific programs that reach students through all educational stages – from birth through college,” said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target.  “We are honored to receive National PTA’s Commitment to America’s Children award for our commitment to further education for children in communities across the country.”   

National PTA Announces Award

National PTA and Target share a common goal of making a positive difference in the nation's communities by supporting education and children. In 2004, National PTA welcomed Target as a Proud Sponsor of the association. Because of support from generous sponsors like Target, PTA members are better informed, better connected, and able to achieve more for their children, their schools, and their communities. Proud Sponsors enable National PTA to provide its nearly 6 million volunteer members with such things as skill development to help them hone their parenting skills; resources to help their children succeed academically; learning tools to improve communication with teachers; training to speak out about public school needs; and support to keep their school campuses and neighborhoods safe.

For more information about the 2005 Commitment to America’s Children dinner and award, visit www.pta.org/2005dinner, or call (800) 307-4PTA (4782).

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About National PTA
With nearly 6 million members, National PTA is the largest volunteer parent association in the United States. Since its founding in 1897, National PTA has prided itself on being a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in National PTA is open to anyone who is concerned with the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,351 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.