August 1st, 2007
In my fifth year as Rowmark’s Program Director, I am proud of our fantastic group of student-athletes as well as our hard-working staff. RHSM and Rowmark are providing an unmatched combination of academics and ski racing program in the country. In this effort we are happy to announce that in the last four years six Rowmark athletes have been named to the U.S. Ski Team for their accomplishments. No other ski academy in the country comes close to comparing to this level of success. Additionally our graduates are moving on to excel at the best colleges and universities in the country and many are also competing at the highest level on NCAA Division 1 collegiate circuit. Most importantly, RHSM and Rowmark are providing a foundation for our student-athletes to grow into great people who are positive role models and contributing members of society.
Past contributions to Rowmark’s Annual Giving have provided the resources that have been critical to this success. So I am writing to ask you to contribute to our 2006-07 Annual Giving Campaign. It is important to know that Annual Giving provides for a critical portion of the Rowmark budget that tuition does not cover. In fact tuition alone provides for only about 70% of the total yearly program expenses. We are also challenged by the fact that our alumni base is very small; there are only about one hundred forty Rowmark alumni since the ski academy began in 1982. With this small base of support, it is important that we reach out to all alumni, parents and friends to help raise the money needed to help our Rowmarkers accomplish their goals for 2006-07. In addition the academy has several immediate needs that only can be met through the contributions of potential donors such as you. Below are examples of areas where we need extra support at this time:
- More funding available for student-athlete financial aid. This continues to be our biggest need.
- Continue the process of replacing our aging vehicle fleet. We have three of five vehicles left to replace.
- Additional technology and equipment: new video cameras, a video monitor for our bus, equipment for our ski room, and additional conditioning equipment.
- Funding to again rent a space at PCMR during the ski season to be used as a staging area for our team, a place for video review, for additional ski tuning space, and for storage of our equipment. Last year was our first year using this space and it proved to be a huge benefit to our team.
Participation is the key element of the Campaign. Many philanthropic foundations base their substantial contributions to RHSM/Rowmark on the percentage of those who donate to Annual Giving. As a result of RHSM/Rowmark’s educational excellence and participation in past Annual Giving Campaigns, the Edward E. Ford Foundation has recognized the school this year by awarding us the opportunity for a $50,000 matching grant for sustainability. Your participation means that smaller gifts go hand-in-hand with larger gifts. No matter the size, everyone’s contribution counts!
Your support is critical to our success. I hope you will consider a contribution today. Remember that donations are tax deductible. Enclosed is the Annual Giving material and a self addressed, stamped envelope. As you fill it out, please make sure that you check the box “If you would like to designate your gift specifically to Rowmark Ski Academy, please check here”. Please help give us our student-athletes what they need to accomplish their goals and dreams!
Sincerely,
Todd Brickson
Program Director of Rowmark Ski Academy
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