Philip Morris USA to Improve Eliada Campus

Company contributes almost $10,000 in capital improvements to the century-old campus.

Asheville, NC October 17 - Over 50 volunteers from Philip Morris USA will gather at Eliada's campus tomorrow, October 18th, at 9:00 am. The volunteers are traveling from across the Southeast to participate in a day of service designed to make lasting improvements to Eliada's historic and expansive campus. Philip Morris USA employees have volunteered in large numbers for past events on Eliada's campus (pictured above); tomorrow's activities represent a continuation of this commitment.

Their list of projects is long, and includes several enhancements to support Eliada's Therapeutic Animal Stewardship Cooperative (TASC) program. TASC provides animal-assisted therapy to at-risk students with behavioral or emotional issues. The TASC family includes almost a dozen horses, several goats, and a donkey (pictured below). Through working with and caring for animals, students begin to cultivate responsibility and compassion. Phillip Morris volunteers will assist the TASC program by building new housing for the goats and donkey, repairing fencing, and completing painting projects. All told, the material costs of these improvements reaches $10,000.

Volunteers will also spend time improving a wooded trail used by the TASC program as well as Eliada's 5K running team. The trail will be completed in time for Eliada's first annual 5K Monster Dash and Fall Festival on October 27th. This Halloween-themed event, also supported by Philip Morris USA, is a family-friendly day of recreation and fun. There is still time to register for the Monster Dash- to learn more, visit www.eliada.org/race.

"Philip Morris USA has been a friend of Eliada for many years," commented Eliada CEO Mark Upright. "We are so grateful for their long-standing support. The projects they complete tomorrow will be an enduring testament to their generosity and commitment to the children and families of our region."

About Eliada Home
Eliada is a 105 year old non-profit agency serving North Carolina's children and families. Founded in 1903 by Dr. Lucius Compton as a home for women and children, Eliada's full service continuum includes NAEYC accredited Child Development Services (Pre School, After School, Summer Camp, More at Four); Residential and Day Treatment for children and adolescents; In Home services; Foster Care and Therapeutic Foster Care; and Therapeutic Recreation services. The agency enters its second century with pride, committed to the fulfillment of its mission statement: Helping Children Succeed.