CANTON -- Prompted by a generous donation from an anonymous Canton Central School alumnus, the Golden Bear Education Foundation is holding a Century Club fundraiser beginning June 1.

The foundation has been challenged by the donation to raise $10,000 and if they succeed, the total will be matched dollar for dollar to total $20,000 in donations. The goal is to raise 100 donations of $100 in 100 days.

Those who donate will become members of the Century Club and will have their names posted to a dedicated web page on the foundation web site.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the potential money that can be raised thanks to this generous gift,” stated foundation President Evan Poole. “We wanted to make it fun, and we felt that it was an attainable goal to reach 100 alumni that would be willing to help us meet this challenge.”

The foundation hopes to reach not only local alumni but also those who have moved out of the area and still feel connected to their school.

“So many people donate annually to their colleges, but may not realize that their elementary and secondary schools are really hurting and could desperately use their help,” said Poole. “This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the school where they spent the first 13 years of their education, and not just the last four.”

Earlier this spring, the foundation pledged $23,000 to Canton Central School to help offset the budget cuts the school is facing in the upcoming school year. The money will be used to save programs that would have otherwise been cut.

The 100-day challenge will run from June 1 through September 8. Individuals, families, businesses or groups who would like become part of the Century Club should visit www.gbfound.org for details or mail a check to CGBEF Century Club, PO Box 174, Canton, NY 13617.