After School Matters Receives $25 Million Gift From George Lucas

(Image c/o: afterschoolmatters.org)
The After School Matters program for teens received a $25 million donation from movie maker George Lucas Wednesday. The program was started by former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley, who died of breast cancer two years ago.
“I cannot help but to think about Maggie Daley and all that she did to make After School Matters what it is. She poured her heart and soul into this organization and into these programs,” the After School Matters Board Chair Mellody Hobson said of Daley, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
“It’s really poetic that we’re making this announcement two years after she passed away … which still leaves us with a little bit of sadness because we loved her so much and we still miss her. But the one thing I feel about this gift is that she will know in heaven the teens of Chicago are being looked after.”
The $25 million, to be provided in $5 million increments, will be used to restore the stipends given to 22,000 youths when they take part in the arts and education program. Budget constraints forced After School Matters to cut back its stipends two years ago for teens participating in the program during the school year.
“For our kids to live up to their full potential, we as adults have to live up to our full responsibility. And I cannot thank you enough, both of you, for your generosity and also for living up to your responsibility,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel told Hobson and Lucas.