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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: L. Slaughter
February 20, 2009 202-652-4700 info@transition2dtv.org
Local Non-Profit Installs DTV Boxes for Ronald McDonald House
WASHINGTON (Feb. 20)
Saturday, February 21, 11am, the non-profit The Urban Progressive foundation will install 16 DTV converter boxes at the Ronald McDonald House at 1326 Quincy St., NE, Washington DC. All 16 boxes were donated by Wal-Mart #2258 in Alexandria, Va. This generous donation is in response to the critical need for the under-served and under-represented Washington DC residents, who are either unable to obtain coupons, or unable to afford converter boxes. As of June 12, 2009, all television sets must be converted from analog to digital or the screen will go dark.
Although unable to afford the converter boxes, the Quincy Street Ronald McDonald house does not qualify to receive the $40 coupons subsidy to offset the cost of the boxes. DeeNice Rhodes, executive director of The Urban Progressive Foundation (TUPF) contacted the local Wal-Mart #2258 and convinced management to donate the converter boxes and antennas. This weekend the Urban Progressive Foundation will deliver and install the boxes in each of the 16 Ronald McDonald House living quarters. DeeNice Rhodes receives requests for financial help or converter box donations on a daily basis.
“Of the 35 million Americans that have one or more TVs with rabbit ears or roof top antennas, a disproportionate number are located in underserved communities,” states Ms. Rhodes. Based on FCC DTV conversion data it is clear the largest impact of the DTV transition will fall on under-served and under-represented communities. Non-profits, such as Ms. Rhodes’ TUPF, are reaching these critical-need citizens, i.e., the elderly, minorities, disabled and rural, who otherwise would be left in the dark as of June 12th.
“Washington is fortunate to have DeeNice Rhodes and TUPF working to bring area businesses and broadcasters together to aid the less fortunate and less mobile citizens in our region,” said Chip Weinman, President of the MD/DC/DE Broadcasters’ Association.
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Contact information for The Urban Progressive Foundation, The Ronald McDonald House and the MDCD Broadcasters Association follows.
The Urban Progressive Foundation
The Urban Progressive Foundation (www.transition2dtv.org) or www.thedigitaldynamo.com) is a grassroots organization passionate about assisting underserved communities. Through The Urban Progressive Foundation these grassroots efforts are helping to train, educate and assist our communities transition from analog to digital television before June 12, 2009. “Urban Progressive Foundation is a project of United Charitable Programs, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.” All donations are fully tax-deductible.
DeeNice Rhodes, Executive Director, 202.642-4636
The Ronald McDonald House: http://www.rmhc.greaterdc.org, Cortney Kelly: RMDH House Operations manager
MDCD Broadcasters Association: www.mdcd.com, 443.386.4000, Chip Weinman, President
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