Marines:
General Brewster sends the following (please note on the "memo" portion of all donations: "as per General Brewster" or some such):
OK- it may be 99 degrees in the shade here in Dallas- but it is time to talk about Snowball Express- “the charity for the children of our fallen military since 9/11.” Specifically, it is time for me to start (actually it is late) begging for financial support for these children. What “children” you ask? Glad you asked!
In case you have managed to forget- I joined the Board of this Foundation in Jan of 2008 and after two years am still very “committed” to trying to help these children.
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You can learn all about the Foundation at
www.snowballexpress.org and about the other Board members at
http://www.snowballexpress.org/AboutUs/BoardofDirectors.aspx but before you hit the delete key on this message, please let me tell you a few things about the organization and the children we support.
Snowball Express started in early 2006 with a simple idea:
America should honor and pay tribute to the children of those military fallen heroes who have died while honorably serving since 9/11.
In December of 2006, nearly 900 family members from all across America and the world gathered in Southern California for an all expense paid unforgettable holiday and healing gathering. Kids and widows discovered they weren't alone. And they found they weren't forgotten.
In 2007, another unique event occurred the week after Thanksgiving. This time, over 1,100 children and surviving parents attended as guests of Americans, corporations, and service groups who donated their time, money and resources to create another healing event.
In 2008 we had 1,437 come to Southern California to attend the Dec 16th to 20th event. These are far more than holidays, as the children are recognized for their sacrifice and make friendships with other children who have suffered the same loss.
We are fortunate to have gained wonderful support from American Airlines (our Official Airline- and who is providing 1,250 free tickets for us this year!),
Oakley, Quiksilver, Panda Express, Taco Bell, Starwood, Hilton, Marriott, Best Western, Disneyland, Universal Studios and countless other partners and sponsors,
combined with thousands of volunteers in Southern California and all across America, contributed and volunteered because it was the right thing to do. Nationally recognized organizations like
Ladies Auxiliary VFW, Rotary Clubs, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion, Patriot Guard Riders and others
stepped forward to donate their resources and gifts. Other local service clubs, churches and schools also donated resources to help the cause. While last years event had an estimated value of $5.5 million, only some $650,000 was raised in cash- the rest was donated “in kind” services.
This year we expect the event to run at about $7 million and we need to raise $800,000 of that in cash to pay for those expenses that we can not get from supporting corporations. To date we have raised about $500,000 in cash contributions.
We will be here in Dallas this year for SBE IV from December 9th to 13th,
and at the current rate of registrations, we expect to reach our limit for one event of 2,000 children and spouses. The planning for this event is really coming together nicely, with lots of local support, and the kids will have a wonderful Texas experience.
I am asking if you would help us honor these children this year by sending a contribution.
If you would like to know even more about the organization, there is a wealth of information on our web site and if you go to
http://www.snowballexpress.org and click on “Testimonials” you will get a feel for what these experiences have meant to the families who attend.
If you would do so,
please write any contribution checks to; SNOWBALL EXPRESS FOUNDATION and if you would sent them to me at:
Brig.Gen. Al Brewster USMC (Ret)
THE CHILDREN THANK YOU!
P.S. As a Board member I am expected to raise a minimum of $10,000 in contributions and I have a “way to go” to reach that!
that is all
s/f
out