Durham, NC - The Duke-Durham Neighborhood Partnership held its Duke-Durham Campaign 2010 Kick-Off Celebration for community partners and volunteers this Wednesday at New Horizons Academy of Excellence.

Funds raised through the Duke-Durham Campaign are used to support the Duke- Durham Neighborhood Partnership. The Partnership, launched by Duke University in 1996, is a collaboration involving the university community and the neighborhoods and schools near campus.

The Partnership boosts student achievement and improves quality of life in these neighborhoods by working with residents and school officials to address community priorities.

The kick-off celebration featured a tour of the New Horizons facility, led by founder Martina Dunford, as well as a tour of the neighboring Durham Economic Resource Center, led by CEO Jackie Brown.

Phail Wynn Jr., Duke's Vice President for Durham and Regional Affairs, and Campaign Chair Kirsten Weeks, Community Relations Manager at Cisco, provided comments at the event.