Ellen’s friends at Shutterfly had a big surprise for actress Viola Davis on The Ellen DeGeneres Show today. Shutterfly gave The Segue Institute for Learning free yearbooks and matched Meryl Streep’s donation with a $10,000 check.
The original donation of $10,000 came after Ms. Streep had a talk with fellow actress and Central Falls native Viola Davis. Davis mentioned that the school was in dire need of a new building. Davis has said The Segue Institute is close to her heart, and gave a shout-out to the school after winning a Screen Actors Guild Award.
In honor of the new film, “Won’t Back Down” starring Rhode Island’s own Viola Davis, and to celebrate education, Segue Institute for Learning and the Central Falls High School Drama Club are holding a red carpet fundraiser on October 7 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium which will include a screening of the film and a reception.
Viola Davis will be making a special guest appearance at the event. In addition, two of her awards dresses will be auctioned off that evening.
Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased at http://cfwontbackdown.eventbrite.com.
A critical time for Segue, the school is currently in discussions to purchase the building where it is now located. A building fund has been established and additional contributions to this fund are now being accepted.
Segue is also up for renewal of its charter this year and the school is working closely with the Rhode Island Department of Education through this process.
About Segue Institute for Learning
Founded in 2006 and opened in 2009, Segue Institute for Learning features high academic rigor, small class sizes, individualized attention, strong board and parental involvement, and intensive community partnerships. The school was conceived by people who grew up, currently reside in, or have significant ties to the Central Falls community. Segue recognizes its students as “AT PROMISE” versus being considered “AT RISK”.
More than a school, the institution is a movement to take responsibility for education, improving quality of life and encouraging civic engagement. As a school, Segue helps students achieve academic excellence and be better prepared for high school, college, and the work force. Follow Segue at www.facebook.com/SegueIFLand on Twitter @SegueIFL.
