HARTFORD - Rep. Catherine F. Abercrombie, D-Meriden, called Wednesday's press conference a celebration, but it could have been called a rally.

The Commission on Children, lawmakers and parents from throughout Connecticut gathered at the Legislative Office Building to announce that private donors are willing to match what the state invests in early education and parent leadership initiatives. Private donors like the William Casper Graustein Memorial Fund are offering the state $1.7 million if the state reserves $1.5 million for the programs.

"Folks, this is no April Fool's joke," Abercrombie said.

This is not the first time private donors have stepped up to help, but because of tough financial times, money the state has traditionally dedicated to early education parent programs is in jeopardy this year.

Without state funding, the matching grants from private donors will not be available, and as a result, programs that many deem beneficial are at risk.