FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Debbie Harris, California Casualty,888.307.1449, dharris@CalCas.com

 

San Mateo, California, August 15, 2012…California Casualty announced today the dates of the application period for its Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant program for public high schools. Applications will be accepted between September 15, 2012 and January 15, 2013. Guidelines and application forms can be found at www.calcasathleticsgrant.com.

Shrinking state budgets and mandates to improve academic performance have forced many schools to trim or even eliminate some of their athletics programs. Oftentimes, coaches and parents end up subsidizing sports out of their own pockets, and athletes risk injury by practicing or playing with worn, unsafe equipment – or face the disappointment of not playing at all.

Athletes and coaches at New Smyrna Beach High School in Florida know the fallout from budget cuts. The local education system provides no budget at all for athletics. Each team must raise the funds to support its program. Now, thanks to $1,000 from California Casualty, New Smyrna Beach's track and field program will acquire pole vaulting equipment.

"During these tough economic times, donations like this make a huge difference," said Principal James Tager. "Track and field is our largest coed program, but the cost of the equipment is high. Thank you so much for the grant."

During the past two years, California Casualty awarded $100,000 in grants to 69 schools in 26 states. In the upcoming program year, $75,000 will be allocated in grants of $1,000 to $3,000 to schools across the nation.

Applicants must be a current member (or referred by a member) of the National Education Association (NEA) or other participating educator association: ACSA, CASE, COSA, KASA, NASA or UASSP – as well as be an active employee of the public high school for which funding is sought. Schools in AK, HI, MA, MI, NY and WI are not eligible. Complete details can be found at www.calcasathleticsgrant.com. Award notifications will be made by April 30, 2013.

Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, with Service Centers in Arizona, Colorado and Kansas, California Casualty provides auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement, fire fighters and nurses in 44 states. It is the exclusive provider of the NEA Auto and Home Insurance Program.  Learn more at www.calcas.com or by calling 800.800.9410.  For more information about this program, visit www.CalCasAthleticsGrant.com.