Councilwoman Catherine Pugh and Council President Sheila Dixon to announce Radio-thon to fund summer jobs program for youth

Press conference Monday, May 22 at 4:30 p.m. in lobby of City Council Chambers to announce critical fundraiser for summer jobs program

BALTIMORE – Today Councilwoman Catherine Pugh (4^th District) and City Council President Sheila Dixon will announce a fundraiser/Radio-thon supporting YouthWorks 2000, Baltimore'’ summer jobs program for the city'’ young people. The radio-thon is necessary because, for the first time in 25 years, federal funds will be insufficient to support a stand-alone summer jobs program for disadvantaged youth. Financial pledges will be taken from callers from 6am to 6pm on Wednesday, May 24, 2000, and Radio One stations 92Q, Magic 95.9, Spirit 1400 and WOLB 1010 will live broadcast the Radio-thon from War Memorial Plaza.

Said Councilwoman Pugh, "We know there aren’t enough federal funds for Youth Works 2000, but going without is not the answer. Studies show that summer jobs keep youth out of trouble and help them make a positive difference in their own lives and on area businesses. I believe the Radio-thon is a creative solution to closing the gap between what the federal government is providing and what we really need to spend on this worthy program."

Added President Dixon, "Youth develop life-long work habits and skills from these employment opportunities. Making a contribution to the Radio-thon is good for our young people, our business, and our city. I encourage everyone to make a pledge."

Pledges to the YouthWorks 2000 Radio-thon are tax deductible. Councilwoman Catherine Pugh is Chair of the Council’s Labor and Economic Development Subcommittee.