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July 17, 2006
FORT WAYNE, IND. — Most people would agree that a good education is priceless—but that doesn’t mean it’s free. The supplies and tools that educators use—everything from basic supplies like paper and pencils to more sophisticated equipment such as computers and microscopes—cost money. Unfortunately, with educational budget cuts and a less-than-stellar economy, the money to buy the necessary materials seems to be in short supply. The education of our youth, however, is not something which we can afford to cut back.

As they prepare for Back-To-School, many teachers must supplement their classroom budgets in an effort to better provide engaging lesson plans and a learning-friendly environment for their students. Supplies such as classroom decorations, incentives and resource books are materials educators often buy with their own money. And new teachers, who are often paid less than their experienced colleagues, are more likely to spend a larger amount of their own money because they haven’t had the opportunity to build up a collection of reusable materials.

To show appreciation for educators who are dedicated to making learning a fun and exciting experience, United Art and Education will host its 16th annual Teacher Appreciation Days. Beginning July 24th and running through August 31st, this local retailer will give away approximately $7500 in samples and merchandise at each store location.

To kick off the celebration, educators will receive a free canvas tote bag filled with educational supplies—a $50 value—if they are one of the first 50 customers to visit United Art and Education on July 24th. Brian Deaton, Retail Operations Manager for the company, recommends that teachers arrive early, as this has been a very popular event in the past. "The [first day] is one of our busiest days of the year. We have people waiting in line up to 3 hours before we open at some locations," Deaton said. "It is good to see our customers getting together with their co-workers and spending their day with us." 50 tote bags will be given away at each of United Art and Education’s eight locations. In addition, the first 2000 customers will receive a free 17x22” desk calendar.

Educators will also have the opportunity to add an extra $200 worth of supplies to their classroom by signing up for a chance to win weekly prize give-aways. Sponsored by educational resource companies including Crayola, TREND, Frog Street Press, Teacher Created Materials and more, two Grand Prize packages will be given away each week at every United Art and Education location.

Plus, on one special Friday, August 4th, United Art and Education will be hosting an All-Day Gift Certificate Give-Away. Each half hour at every store, at least one lucky shopper will win a $20 Gift Certificate valid on United Art and Education merchandise. A total of more than 50 gift certificates will be given away at each location.

“We try to live up to the event’s name ‘Teacher Appreciation Days’ and give away lots of exciting and useful teacher tools,” said Dodi Gunawardhana, Retail Operations Manager. “This time of year is so exciting, because we can’t wait to show off all of the new product we’ve been adding to our stores this spring and summer. Teachers can gain new ideas to keep their classrooms fresh and inspiring.”

For more information, including maps and directions to United Art and Education’s eight stores in Indiana and Ohio, visit www.UnitedNow.com.

About United Art and Education
United Art and Education has retail stores in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Mishawaka, Indiana, and in Dublin, Centerville and Sharonville, Ohio. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Corporate headquarters, located in Fort Wayne, house a distribution center and the company’s national mail-order business. United Art and Education has been serving teachers and schools across the country for more than 45 years and is committed to providing quality products at competitive prices and fast, friendly customer service.

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