May 9, 2009

College gets check from utility users

By KRISTI FUNDERBURK
Staff Writer

VINELAND -- Cumberland County College received a substantial check Friday thanks to the city's utility ratepayers who checked the donation boxes on the bottom of their pay stubs.

Making contributions of $1, $2, $5 or $10 per pay period, ratepayers donated $2,589 to CCC's School Counts! scholarship program this year.

"This is actually a gift from our customers," said Joseph Isabella, director of the Vineland Municipal Electric Utility, who presented the check with Mayor Robert Romano. "And surprisingly, it's up from last year, despite the economy."

Last year, the donations totaled roughly $1,400, he said.

County students can be eligible for two-year scholarships for a 95 percent attendance record, C grades or better, taking more courses than the minimum graduation requirements, and completing high school in eight consecutive semesters, said Sue Perry, executive director for the college's foundation.

Of the 150 School Counts! students now attending CCC, 36 will graduate on May 21, Perry said.

The Vineland Municipal Utilities first included the donation boxes on water and electric customer bills in 2004. Since then, the city's utility customers have donated $10,983 to School Counts!, Perry said.

"It's an easy, affordable way for people to continue the program for the benefit of the students," said Lilly Kejzman, vice chairwoman of the college foundation board.