OS.Members -FW: OAKLAND STROKES 40K CHALLENGE GIFT

[Mudge, Annie]

Dear Strokes Families:

At our Board meeting this month, coaches reiterated the program's=20
serious need for new equipment.  There is a real need
to upgrade boats.  Most critical is=20
replacement of some of our launches for both safety and competitive =
reasons.  We also need to upgrade some of our older shells.=20

Fortunately, we have a real chance to meet our needs
this year thanks to a very generous challenge gift
from two Strokes' families. Two families have
challenged us to raise $100,000.  If we do, they have promised to donate =
an additional $40,000. This gift will allow us to buy much-needed =
equipment. =20

We are at about $65,000 now due a lot of hard
work to date.   Thanks to all who have already donated!  We need another =
$35,000 to get to
our goal of $100,000. Reviewing our donations, we see that
several families have given over $10,000, but
many have not yet made any donations.=20

Please consider supporting our children's crew to the level you can. =
Your support
not only provides boats, coaches and equipment, it
sends a message about YOUR commitment to support your children in this =
healthy, life-changing sport.  Please note the incentives that can=20
make it easier for many families to give in
combination with fund raising to reduce registration fees. We have
the opportunity to significantly upgrade the boats and
our children's' experience.=20

We have also had offers of vacation homes in Sun
Valley and Santa Cruz, two beautiful quilts (in Strokes colors!), a case =
of wine, and other non-monetary items of value. We will be =
auctioning/raffling off these items at the family meeting/dinner =
February 24. So, if you have items that you would like to consider
donating, please contact me at jmittelberger@sbcglobal.net.=20

See you at the Ergathon tomorrow. You can bring your
checks there!  GO STROKES!=20

Jim Mittelberger
Chair, Fundraising Committee=20