Gloucester, MA. - Pathways for Children is excited to announce the unveiling of CHAIRS for CHILDREN's larger-than-life mascot. The oversized Adirondack chair - which was designed, built, and decorated by Gloucester High School Students - was revealed during an unofficial kickoff in front of the Gloucester Police Station on Friday, May 5th. Representative Anthony Verga was on hand to show his support and help Pathways celebrate their second bi-annual community art endeavor.

Through a partnership between the GHS Carpentry and Art Departments, two sets of students spent nearly six months designing and decorating this unusual piece of artwork. The exaggerated Adirondack chair will act as the CHAIRS for CHILDREN mascot - helping to build excitement and interest in the upcoming event. At the end of the summer the chair will return to its roots and become the property of Gloucester High School.

CHAIRS for CHILDREN is the much anticipated follow up to 2004's Lobster Landings event, which raised more than $130,000 to help Pathways fill the gaps in children's programming caused by cutbacks in state and local funding. This unique event will feature 44 custom-designed Adirondack chairs painted and decorated by renowned Cape Ann artists. These distinctive canvases will be on display throughout the summer of '06, and then auctioned in September to directly benefit Pathways' programs for more than 400 children across Cape Ann. The event has been made possible through sponsorship donations from local businesses - including event sponsors TD Banknorth and Varian Semiconductor Equipment - community groups, and individuals, and the support of local artists.

Pathways for Children is a leading provider of quality child care and early education for children from birth through age twelve, annually serving nearly 400 children on Cape Ann. Pathways is a non-profit agency whose unique focus is a combination of child development and family-strengthening programs. For more information about our programs or how you can help, call 978-281-2400.

###

For more information contact

K:yra Johnson
kjohnson@pw4c.org
(978) 281-2400 x 354

Susan Stendahl
sstendahl@pw4c.org
(978) 281-2400 x 150