FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 25, 2009

Media Contact: Andy Barnes
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(Concord, NH) – The Finlay Foundation, dedicated to sparking a renewed commitment statewide to cultural, civic and community involvement, today issued a challenge to help a vital organization continue serving children and families in need through the struggling economy.

Since 2006, the Finlay Foundation has committed itself to supporting the Concord-based Friends of Forgotten Children (Friends), which each year assists thousands of area families through their most difficult times with food, clothing, furniture, household goods, and holiday gifts. As news has surfaced of challenges Friends faces to keep from shutting its doors in the coming weeks, the Finlay Foundation today issued a challenge of its own to citizens, business owners, and government officials across the state: In the hope that Friends can raise enough funds to continue operating and serving those who need it most, the Finlay Foundation announced it would match the first $25,000 in donations that come in to assist the organization, for a total of up to $50,000.

"Since my wife Karin and I first launched our Foundation, one of our guiding philosophies has been to challenge and encourage citizens across the state to contribute their talents, ingenuity, resources and time to causes important to them and their neighbors," said Foundation Vice-President and Treasurer Robert J. Finlay. "We have already heard, with great inspiration, about the generosity and decency of citizens who have donated $4,000 in the last 72 hours alone to help keep Friends of Forgotten Children running. Today, we are hoping to keep this spirit alive through this challenge grant."

Additionally, the Foundation today issued a call for leadership, seeking leaders in the business, civic, and local communities to bring their talents, ideas, and passion to Friends of Forgotten Children as board members and help the organization chart an innovative course forward.

The Finlay Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization, is a New Hampshire-based nonprofit devoted to improving the quality of life for Granite State residents by assisting children and families in need and promoting an array of forward-thinking cultural and educational initiatives.
(On the web: www.thefinlayfoundation.org)