A Letter of Support

Friends and Family,

It is never easy writing this type of e-mail, so please bear with me. I am writing a personal e-mail to you because I seek your help in a matter that is of the utmost importance to me, and quite frankly, to our nation.

Recently, I became involved in a nascent, but leading edge, organization called 'The House'. (www.thehouse-inc.com). This non-profit organization is attempting to accomplish something extraordinary. What? By taking on the challenge of helping our junior and high school youths dream of and work towards a better future. There is no place, no organization in the D.C. area like The House. I would encourage you to check out our website.

The success of The House here in Virginia will determine if additional "Houses" can be built in communities that need them. I want to help them succeed, and that is why I am reaching out to all of you.

I am asking for your charitable donation. There are several ways to donate money using PayPal (secure, credit card; same company that eBay uses) http://www.thehouse-inc.com/donate.html, or check. This is considered a tax-deductible charitable donation, and you will receive a statement at the end of the year for your 2005 taxes.

Through the generosity of a local D.C. businessman, we were able to secure a 6000 square foot facility to convert into The House. The grand opening for The House is mid to end of September 2005. Our ability to open on time and begin mentoring and leading our disadvantaged youth depends primarily on finances. If you choose to, or do, donate to this awesome, awesome undertaking, I ask that you please let me know so that I can determine if, and when, I have met my financial goal. It is NOT a means to track which of you donated and which did not. Either way, you will ALWAYS be my friends and family.

My personal goal is to raise $50,000 by the end of the year. If you're interested, I can give you periodic updates on the status of my goal, and the success(es) of The House.

So, why would you want to donate to an organization in Virginia? Please don't look at this as having a specific affiliation with a state or religious organization, etc, because it does not. This will help secure a potentially brighter future for those youths who are facing struggles that many of us have never had to deal with. If you have, then you understand what a tremendously positive impact a place like The House can have on our youth. Remember, if this one succeeds, the Founders' (a wonderful family who literally gave up everything to start The House-their home, their comfortable lifestyle, their income, etc.) vision is to open additional ones throughout the nation.

This will be the only e-mail you will receive from me regarding this cause, so please don't fear further correspondence; however, I will ask that if you know people who would be interested in helping our youth and donating to The House to please forward this e-mail to them. Please have them correspond with me directly.

Thank you very much.