March 23, 2006 – Toledo, OH – Super Bowl Champion runningback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jerome “The Bus” Bettis, will host the 2006 Urban All American Celebration on Monday, May 22, 2006 at 7pm in the Nairobi Pavilion of the Toledo Zoo. In its 15^th year, the Urban All American Awards is presented by the Diocese of Toledo’s Central City Ministries of Toledo (CCMT).
 
CCMT is a consortium of five elementary schools located in central Toledo, and includes Rosary Cathedral, St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Charles, Queen of Apostles and Pope John Paul II schools. Central City Ministry believes all children should have the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment regardless of where they live or their economic situation.  Central City Ministry educates children in an interfaith and multicultural environment while offering clear goals and expectations, strict discipline and attendance standards, pre- and post-school day extracurriculars, and efficient school management. 
 
Each spring, students and former graduates are honored for their accomplishments and community service at the Urban All-American Celebration. The event also provides an opportunity to acknowledge individuals who have been influential in the success of Central City Ministry such as the Anderson Family and Chuck Oswald. Funds raised are used for tuition assistance and day-to-day school operations for 800 students attending CCMT schools. Last year over 1,000 supporters attended the event, which raised over $108,000. The following awards will be presented at the May 22 dinner:  
 
Corporate Philanthropy Award: Awarded to a business/corporation that has been a long-time supporter of the Central City Ministries of Toledo and its mission to the children and families who live in the central city of Toledo.
 
The Hall of Fame Award: Awarded to an individual or group who has demonstrated great passion and commitment to the central city of Toledo.  
 
The CCMT Service Award: Awarded to an individual who has served CCMT in the past and has made an outstanding contribution in the promotion and enhancement of Catholic education in the central city schools. 
 
 Urban All American Award: Awarded to individuals who graduated from a Toledo central city Catholic elementary school, who exhibits extraordinary achievement and/or talent in academics, athletic and/or career success, and is a positive role model for today’s students
 
The individual winners will be announced by May 1^st. For more information please contact Jennifer Skeldon, CCMT Gift Officer at 419-244-6711, ext 216.