November 19, 2004

For Immediate Release November 19, 2004

White River Junction, VT– The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) is pleased to announce a gift in the amount of $150,000 from Peter Laird, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, through his Xeric Foundation. The gift will be used towards the remodeling of the Colodny building and future programming. CCS has received support from both local and national donors, including Jean Schulz, Rockefeller Foundation, Microsoft, Archie D. and Bertha H. Walker Foundation, The Upper Valley Community Foundation, and many more. CCS Director James Sturm says, “Both Peter and I share a love for comics and a deep commitment in helping young cartoonists learn and grow. I’m very humbled and honored by Peter’s confidence in CCS. His generous donation goes a long way in helping CCS establish itself as the premiere cartooning program in the country.”

“The creation of your new school is very exciting. We are impressed with the goals and clarity of the Center’s mission, as well as the thoroughness of your business plan. Equally as important to your success, we are especially impressed with the passion, enthusiasm, and dedication that you personally bring to this project.” – Chris Milne, Vice President of the Xeric Foundation

The Xeric Foundation offers financial assistance to fully committed, self-publishing comic book creators and qualified charitable and nonprofit organizations. For more information about Xeric Foundation visit: www.xericfoundation.com

Peter Laird formed Mirage Studios in the summer of 1983 with Kevin Eastman, and went on to create the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’. TMNT has become one of the most widely merchandised comics book properties in the world, which includes toys, video games, animated TV series, and three motion pictures. For more information about The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, visit: www.ninjaturtles.com

The Center for Cartoon Studies – “America’s only two-year cartooning program” is opening in White River Junction, VT in fall 2005. The full-time two-year course of study program is designed for a small group of dedicated highly creative students with a passion and appreciation for graphic novels, storytelling, writing, comics, and design. Experienced and internationally recognized cartoonists, writers, and designers will teach classes. The school is located in downtown White River Junction, Vermont in the historic Colodny Surprise Department Store building. cartoonstudies.org

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