Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc. Taps Non-Profit Veteran as Its Executive Director

Washington, DC, February 22, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc., the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America, announced Pier A. Hickman Blake, a veteran non-profit professional and community advocate, has joined the Foundation as its Executive Director.

As executive director, Hickman Blake will serve as chief development officer leading the foundation’s development policy and strategy, in addition to guiding visibility of the foundation’s support of “Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today”.

“I am proud to be a part of Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc. and serve as its Executive Director. Our mission is to provide financial support to organizations that promote leadership development for children, youth and young adults. It’s an exciting time for the organization as we forge a plan for continuing to support children and families during these difficult economic times,” says Hickman Blake. “Now, more than ever, the Foundation’s ability to provide support to children will ensure that those communities who rely on us can continue to provide quality educational, cultural and civic activities that benefit our at-risk populations.”

Hickman Blake comes to the foundation after serving in several key positions with the American Red Cross, both at the local chapter and national headquarters level. She also worked at the United Negro College Fund, where she served as a fundraising professional for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She brings with her over 10 years of strategic fundraising development, budget oversight and national event planning.

Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc. supports over 50 projects nationwide for the 2008-2009 program year through various grant opportunities. The Foundation’s Independent grant supports the community with a maximum award of $5,000. The Jacqueline Robinson regional competition grant supports Jack and Jill chapters that are doing “good works” and re-investing in at-risk communities. To combat obesity, the Special Projects grant will focus on children in the African-American community. The Foundation’s support also includes the Violet D. Greer Teen-Associates grant to assist chapters in partnering with other non-profit organizations that provide young people with opportunities and challenges to learn about leadership. The Lucille Allen Hadley Youth Service Award is given to regions for Jack and Jill of America Teen Conferences, where young adults are serving as “problem solvers” and making a positive change. To help students achieve the dream of a higher education, the Foundation provides scholarships for sixteen students at various colleges and universities nationwide.

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About Jack and Jill of America Foundation
Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Since its inception in 1968, the Foundation has distributed millions of dollars to communities all across America.

In so doing, the Foundation is fulfilling its shared vision with Jack and Jill of America, Inc., to invest in the future of our children. The Foundation supports programs that not only create opportunities and challenges for children to learn and practice leadership skills, but also build leadership character in youth. The ultimate goal of every Foundation grant dollar is to empower young people to make the right life choices. Visit the website at www.jackandjillfoundation.org.