The Chess Mates Foundation Unveils $10,000 Gift from Bill and Melinda Gates

SEATTLE -- The Chess Mates Foundation today announced a $10,000 gift from Bill and Melinda Gates to support and sustain The Chess Mates Foundation's existing and new scholastic chess programs in more than 50 Seattle elementary and middle schools.

"The Chess Mates Foundation programs focus on the concept that the game of chess can be utilized as a learning tool for children," said Georgi Orlov, international master of chess and executive director of The Chess Mates Foundation. "Specifically, The Chess Mates Foundation believes that playing chess assists children in building both future life and work skills. The Chess Mate Foundation provides all teaching materials, chess equipment and a trained instructor for each program."

"We are proud to support organizations such as The Chess Mates Foundation that promote and enhance student learning, and create new opportunities for our kids," said Bill Gates Sr., director the William H. Gates Foundation.

The Chess Mates Foundation was created in 1989 by Henry Eisenhardt. Noting the growing incidence of poor academic performance, youth crime, violence, drugs and gangs, Eisenhardt was convinced that children needed positive, structured activities to divert them from undesirable influences that can lead to academic failure, delinquency and crime. With this in mind, Eisenhardt collaborated with Seattle Public Schools and started after-school chess programs for children in elementary grades. The Chess Mates programs are accessible to all children regardless of race, gender, physical ability or economic situation.

The Chess Mates Foundation programs run from October 1999 through May 2000 at participating Seattle and Highline elementary and middle schools.

The gift from Bill and Melinda Gates will be used to develop and execute new learning programs in schools and to assist in the purchasing of essential educational supplies and equipment.