After 11 years without an official home base, The Educational Tech Foundation moved into new office space in the Ellicott Square Building, thanks to the generosity of Ellicott Development.
“Having a central space is a major step for our volunteer-driven organization,” says Foundation President Renee Cerullo. “With 1,000 sq. feet, we have plenty of space to store equipment and build computers. We’re very grateful to Ellicott Development for donating us this tremendous space.”
Building and refurbishing computers is central to the Foundation’s mission to make technology accessible to children in under-served communities. Since its founding in 2003, the Foundation has helped thousands of children in more than 90 schools and community centers across Western New York, by providing and installing computers, servers, networks, smartboards, and infrastructure. Having current, reliable computers in classrooms and other settings is essential for students. Cerullo says, “Computers are important teaching tools. Schools and other not-for-profit organizations are often unable to afford equipment and installation. Ed Tech Foundation volunteers provide a great service to these facilities, and also inspire other students to pursue careers in technology.”
Last August, the Foundation provided technology to 14 sites on its annual Ed Tech Day, providing more than $10,000 of in-kind goods and services per site.
Staffed completely by volunteers (mostly IT professionals), the Foundation depends on donations, sponsorship, and special events to do its good work. The Foundation’s annual fundraising, Spring Connections, will be held Thursday, May 15, at Acqua, 2192 Niagara St, Buffalo. “Spring Connections is our major event where we raise support for our work, and introduce more people to our mission to make technology accessible to the children who need it most,” says Cerullo. “It’s a fun evening with appetizers, cash bar, basket items for bidding, and the best ‘networking’ there is…between people who share our commitment to children and technology.”
Two new members recently joined the Foundation’s board of directors: Rob Anderson is a Sales Engineer at Time Warner Communications, and Brian Hansen is a General Manager at Ronco. Ronco also supported the Foundation this year by becoming a corporate sponsor. Cerullo says, “We’re grateful for the extraordinary efforts of all our volunteers, including our board members, whose strategic guidance is invaluable to our organization and those we serve.”
To learn more about The Educational Technology Foundation of WNY, visit www.edtechwny.org, or call 716.250.4343.
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The Educational Technology Foundation of WNY has a unique scope of work: our volunteers acquire and install technology and infrastructure in schools and facilities in under-served communities. Founded in 2003, the foundation is completely volunteer-driven and is supported by corporate sponsorship, in-kind gifts, and fundraising. Unlike similar organizations, the foundation doesn't sell products or teach technology classes.