The sixth annual Penny Drive sponsored by nonprofit Future MSAD 3 will include all SAD 3 schools in 2010. Funds raised through the Penny Drive will support Future's campaign for enhancements to Mount View's new and existing athletic and recreational facilities.

Since 2004 participating SAD 3 elementary schools raised $7,362.59 to support enhancements to the new Mount View - including The Clifford Performing Arts Center and the new campaign for athletic and recreational facilities.

Mount View High School launches their Penny Drive for Future to coincide with their Winter Carnival, Feb. 8 through 12. Mount View Middle School will join the six elementary schools in the district with all launching their Penny Drive activities on March 1st. The Penny Drive will conclude on March 26th. Participating elementary schools include: Monroe Elementary, Unity Elementary, Mount View Elementary, Walker Elementary in Liberty, Troy Central and Morse Memorial in Brooks.

he slogan for the 2010 Penny Drive is - ~When we work together, we are ONE Team!"

The fundraiser is being coordinated by FUTURE MSAD 3 Event Committee Co-Chairs Bev Winship and Barbara Higgins, with volunteer support from Donyse Babin, Jacquie Ludden, Paula Miron, Sherry Vashon, and numerous SAD 3 school secretaries, administrators and faculty who assist with Penny Drive activities.

First Things First is the initial phase of a capital campaign for Mount View athletics. Future must raise $57,000 as soon as possible to complete the funding for the infrastructure that was put in place at Mount View's athletic complex this past summer and fall. The underground infrastructure needed to be in first - before any other athletic enhancements can be added. To date more $67,000 has been raised in contributions and pledges from 286 donors.

Funds raised through First Things First support areas not covered by the state or the district by providing water and electrical conduit to new and existing athletic fields, and water, power and sewer lines to a planned outdoor concessions building.

While a new, permanent outdoor concessions building to include athletic storage areas and public rest rooms will be funded later during a major capital campaign, Future is now raising funds for the building's utilities that have been put in place and capped - water, power and sewer.

Future MSAD 3 is a non-profit organization run by a board of 18 community volunteers. Their mission is to raise funds to enhance particular areas in the new Mount View School complex not covered by state funding.

For more information on the campaign, Mount View athletic facility naming opportunities, or to contribute: call 207-948-6120 or email futuremsad3@yahoo.com or visit www.futuremsad3.org. Find Future MSAD 3 on Facebook. Contributions can be sent to Future MSAD 3, P O Box 151, Unity, ME 04988.