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Johns Creek mom initiates "Georgia Casual Week"
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| | | Courtney Boylan, 16, reads at the Georgia Academy for the Blind. Her mother, Donna, started “Georgia Casual Week” to raise funds and awareness of the school. | |
January 14, 2009
JOHNS CREEK - Donna Boylan said helping others can be as simple as dressing casually for a week. That's the idea behind a program she initiated to help the blind, "Georgia Casual Week."
The Johns Creek resident said she would like Georgia businesses to participate in the program, which she calls "effortless."
The idea is to have businesses allow their employees to dress casually for a week as long as the employees make some sort of donation to the program.
"It could be $5 or $10," said Boylan. "And, it costs the company nothing."
Boylan, whose daughter Courtney, 16, is a student at the Georgia Academy for the Blind in Macon, said the idea came from her employer, Premier Golf. The company holds a "casual week" about three times a year to help various charities.
Boylan said the 157-year-old school needs structural improvements as well as funding for student field trips. She added that Georgia Academy for the Blind is a state-funded school and budget cuts have made an impact - some programs may be eliminated.
About 120 students ages 3-21 attend the school and most reside on campus in cottages, she said.
"I really want to bring awareness and support," said Boylan. "It's about serving these kids."
Boyland received an official proclamation from Gov. Sonny Perdue Jan. 13, proclaiming that Feb. 9-14 will be "Georgia Casual Week" to benefit the Georgia Academy for the Blind.
"I just hope that companies see it's an easy way to get involved...it can change the lives of these children," said Boylan.
She added that if the casual concept is not a good fit for a business, there are other ways in which companies can contribute to the school - through volunteering or donating items such as blankets, towels or games.
"I'd really like to businesses of Georgia to come out and help," said Boylan. "It's a simple, easy way to make a difference."
Boylan said she hopes to continue the program every year.
For more information and to participate in "Georgia Casual Week" visit gacasualweek.org.
 View images.
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