VAN METRE DONATES $35,000 TO PARK FOUNDATION
Donation Enables 116 Children to Attend Camp

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA -The Fairfax County Park Foundation received a $35,000 donation from Van Metre Companies at the Fairfax County Park Authority's Board meeting October 26, 2005 to support the Bright Futures Program.

Bright Futures' goal is to provide 1,000 at-risk kids in Fairfax County with scholarships to summer camp.  The donation from Van Metre will fund over 700 "camp weeks" which equates to one child in camp for one week or 116 full camp scholarships sending 116 children to camp for all six weeks of the program.

"We are incredibly grateful to Van Metre for this generous donation.  Their support not only helps send 116 children to summer camp, it enhances the quality of life for all residents of Fairfax County," said Robert Brennan, executive director of Fairfax County Park Foundation.

While there are a growing number of after school programs in the County, there are very few summer programs for children at-risk.  Bright Futures provides a cost effective way to prevent risky behaviors such as using drugs and alcohol, petty crimes, and gang affiliation.  Children in grades one through six from low income families who qualify for the free lunch program in Fairfax County schools are eligible to participate in Bright Futures. 

"Throughout our 50 years, we have been headquartered in Fairfax County.  We take pride in not just building communities, but in helping to build the community," said Al Van Metre, Sr., Chairman, CEO and Director of Van Metre Companies.  "We are proud to support the Bright Futures program.  As a family-owned business, it means a lot to us to help families grow."

About Fairfax County Park Foundation: Fairfax County Park Foundation focuses on creating innovative partnerships that provide funding for: preservation of opens spaces; improvement of parks, trails, and recreational facilities; restoration of historic sites and nature centers; and advocacy for quality parks and open spaces in Fairfax County.  The Park Authority has been providing summer camp programs for the children of Fairfax County for over 50 years and had well over 32,000 registrations for its camp programs in 2004. Camps are held at Fairfax County public schools and located throughout the County.

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