Peters Penn State Supporters Launch Fundraising Campaign

Two Peters Township Penn State graduates have launched a campaign to bring change out of the recent scandal surrounding the university. 

Initially shocked by the devastating news about their beloved alma mater, Mary Fasnacht and Wendy Edgar said they are now channeling their emotions and energy into “helping eradicate child abuse and show the world the true face of Penn State.”

"Penn State Pride: Protect Our Children—Million Dollar Challenge" asks Penn State alumni, students and friends to join together to raise $1 million dollars to fight child abuse by making donations to Prevent Child Abuse PA.

Here is their letter explaining their undertaking:

Nov. 11, 2011

As proud graduates of the Pennsylvania State University and like so many others, we have been devastated by the recent events surrounding our beloved alma mater. 

First and foremost, as mothers and as human beings, we are mortified by the allegations against Jerry Sandusky and horrified by the lack of response by Penn State officials and personnel—and any others who knew about this travesty and did not protect the innocent young victims. 

While we are still somewhat in a state of shock over this whole ordeal, we believe it is time for all of us to show our true Penn State pride. We are moms, dads, brothers, sisters, professionals, artists, volunteers, students, athletes--and we will not be defined by the deplorable actions of a few. 

Remember that now more than ever--WE ARE...PENN STATE!!

We are a strong and powerful force and we can make preventing child abuse a key part of our legacy in this world.

The CHALLENGE: to raise $1 million to help prevent child abuse. If we can get 50,000 people to donate just $20 we can do this! There are over 550,000 living Penn State alumni!!

Will you stand with us to show the world the real Penn State?

Go to Prevent Child Abuse PA and make your donation.

When you make a donation to Prevent Child Abuse PA, please write "Penn State" in the Memo/Special Instructions and they will track our progress toward our million dollar goal.

After you donate, please visit http://bit.ly/psuprotect to anonymously enter your donation amount so we can keep real time track of our progress.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does.” ~ Margaret Mead

Please help us show the world the real Penn State!

Sincerely,

Mary S. Fasnacht, PSU, Class of ’86, Marketing

Wendy Forrest Edgar, PSU, Class of ’92, Nursing

Additional information about Prevent Child Abuse PA:

Mission

To prevent the abuse and neglect of all children in Pennsylvania before it happens.

Philosophy

We believe child abuse can and will be prevented when knowledgeable and involved citizens are aware of the work they can do to build healthy families and foster caring communities. Prevent Child Abuse Pennsylvania believes that primary prevention is a sound fiscal policy as well as a humane and caring response to the suffering of children. It is a simple, practical, cost-effective approach to protecting the welfare of our state’s greatest resource—our children—and it is the right thing to do.

Core Values

• Valuing children: We are committed to raising the value society places on children and to preventing abuse and neglect, so that all children can grow to their full potential. Every child deserves to be cherished and nurtured in a safe environment. Harming a child in any way is unacceptable.

• Strengthening families: We are committed to strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect by providing families with the information, support, and resources necessary to be successful in raising children.

• Engaging communities: We are committed to engaging communities in the development and implementation of prevention strategies and programs.

Are you taking a positive stand? Are you joining in on Fasnacht and Edgar's fundraising efforts? Tell us in the comments.