Letter 1
Dear Friends, Family, Co-Workers:
Hello one and all. As many of you are aware May 15th marked the 22nd Annual
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. In attending this harrowing service,
I was reminded of the way this pandemic continues to affect our world. I was
reminded that although treatments have improved, and people with HIV are living
longer, more productive lives, there still is no cure for AIDS. I was reminded
that the statistic still stands that every hour, 2 persons between the ages
of 15 and 24 will be infected with HIV. I was reminded that this fight is
not yet over.
I want to thank all of you that have already shown your support by sponsoring
me in the 2005 S-CAP ESCAPE Ride. It is thanks to you that I am able to report
a total of $___ raised thus far for S-CAP. That leaves me with $___ remaining
to reach my minimum goal of $1000 by August 11th, the first day of this three-day,
250-mile ride.
For those of you that would still like to get involved, I am taking donations
in any amount. I have had donations as small as $2, and as large as $50. The
end result is that every dollar helps to change the life of persons living
with and families affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as to educate our young adult
community about the absolute necessity of prevention. Cash or check donations
are accepted, and can either be dropped off to me in person or sent to the
following address:
S-CAP c/o ESCAPE Ride
1301 South 8th Street, Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
All donations are tax deductible, and receipts will be returned via U.S. Post.
If mailing a check, please specify that your donation is in sponsorship for
rider YOUR NAME HERE, so that I am able to keep track of donations collected
on my behalf for S-CAP.
For those of you interested in volunteering for this year's ESCAPE Ride, there
is a volunteer information and orientation session scheduled to occur on Saturday,
June 18th from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado office,
315 E. Costilla in Colorado Springs. With an expected 50 riders, S-CAP is
looking for any help possible with food, support, clean-up, organization and
aid station planning.
Come out for dinner and meet some friends. Hope to see you there, and look
forward to hearing from you all in the near future.
Regards,
Letter 2
Dear "Family, Friends, Co-workers…"
I am writing you to let you know about a commitment I have made to myself,
and to ask for your help in reaching the goals I have set.
I have decided to ride in the upcoming ESCAPE Ride, a fund raising bicycle
ride in the foothills of Colorado. The purpose of the ride is to raise funds
for a wide range of AIDS related services, primarily the education, prevention,
and treatment programs provided by The Southern Colorado AIDS Project (S-CAP).
The ride will be taking place August 11th - 14th, 2005.
The ESCAPE Ride will be a terrific physical challenge for me. The average
day is approximately 75 miles, with the second day expected to be about 100
miles! When I began my training, I was only riding about 15 miles per ride.
I am now reaching "XX" miles per ride! My training program should
prepare me to tackle the 250-mile ride next August, although the distance,
altitude, and terrain still seems a little daunting!
While you probably already have many groups wanting your help, I am asking
you to join me in supporting this very worthwhile event. I am only writing
to a small number of family, friends, and co-workers, those who know me well
and whom I would be proud to represent during the ride. Although I am required
to raise a $250 minimum pledge amount in order to participate, I have set
$2000 as the goal I want to attain.
I am sure you know that it makes me very uncomfortable to ask for donations.
It is not something I do easily, but I believe this is a worthy cause and
together we can make a difference. Checks can be made out to S-CAP, and all
donations are tax deductible. Please mail your donations to my home address,
or to S-CAP at 1301 South 8th Street Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO. 80906.
Thank you very much for considering this request. I am happy to receive your
support in whatever form or amount you wish to send, and I would like to invite
you to the Saturday Night Celebration on August 13th!
Sincerely,
Letter 3
Dear "friends, family, co-workers..."You're invited to participate
in a fantastic journey! A journey that will stretch all your limits!
Join me and 50 other riders while we pedal 250 miles through the foothills
of Colorado for the 4th Annual ESCAPE Ride, August 11th - 14th, 2005!
We're doing this to raise money to help people with HIV/AIDS and their loved
ones.
O.K. So you're not willing to traipse around on your bike for a weekend? Or
you live in another state and are not prepared to make a trip to Colorado?
Then join me in spirit with your SPONSORSHIP!
By registering for the ESCAPE Ride, I have made a big commitment of time,
money and energy. I'll be training for months, and riding many, many miles
to bring myself into condition. Being a rider in the ESCAPE Ride means I'll
be gearing up for a long weekend of physical effort. I'm VERY excited about
doing this, because I know how much impact I'm making in people's lives!
Each person in the ESCAPE Ride must raise $250 in order to participate. 100%
of the funds generated by riders will go directly to AIDS Services in Southern
Colorado. My goal is to exceed the $250 and raise $1500 so I can further benefit
those in need!
The Southern Colorado AIDS Project (S-CAP) is the beneficiary of the ride
proceeds. S-CAP provides essential HIV/AIDS related services to those in need.
Services include:
EDUCATION AND PREVENTION
MEDICAL SUPPORT
HOUSING
FOOD
GROUP SUPPORT
NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING
THERAPEUTIC COUNSELING
DENTAL SUPPLEMENTS
WELLNESS PROGRAMS
Join me in making a difference in the fight against AIDS. Your donation will
go immediately to those programs that serve HIV positive people and their
loved ones.
I want to include you all on this great challenge I've taken on, so I will
be updating everyone on my progress towards my physical and financial goals
for the Ride. I'll be sending out an update letter before the Ride, and pictures
of the event afterwards!
All donations in any amount are welcome. I encourage you to stretch beyond
your comfort level, give a little more and go the extra mile. Your financial
commitment will make a difference in someone's life.
PLEASE SPONSOR ME FOR THE 2004 ESCAPE RIDE!!
Make checks payable to: S-CAP, 1301 South 8th Street Suite 200 Colorado Springs,
CO. 80906
All donations are tax deductible, and a receipt will be returned to you in
the mail.
Thank you so much.
Love,
Letter 4
Dear "friends, family, co-workers..."I would like to take this opportunity
to thank you again for your previous support of the work of the Southern Colorado
AIDS Project. Your generous gifts have made it possible for S-CAP to provide
support and hope to hundreds of southern Colorado men, women and children
living with HIV/AIDS and have enabled us to reach thousands more through our
ongoing prevention outreach.
I would like to invite you to consider continuing your support of S-CAP this
year by sponsoring my participation in the sixth annual ESCAPE ride fundraiser.
The 2005 mountain/road bike challenge is scheduled for August 11 through 14
in the scenic Collegiate Peaks outside of Buena Vista in the heart of Colorado.
This annual event raises a significant portion of the funding necessary for
S-CAP to realize its mission in the Pikes Peak region and throughout southern
Colorado. ESCAPE Ride proceeds support our clients to maintain stability and
wellness while managing the overwhelming and life-long complications of an
HIV/AIDS diagnosis. The event also supports efforts to provide youth and adults
with the knowledge to protect themselves from infection and halt the further
spread of this devastating epidemic.
One of the reasons that I am inspired to ride for S-CAP is because of the
stigma and discrimination faced by our friends, neighbors and loved ones infected
with and affected by this disease. In addition to the many day-to-day challenges
of living with a potentially terminal illness and a life-altering disability,
S-CAP clients also experience social isolation and bias. Like individuals
faced with any other major health condition, our clients deserve access to
qualified medical care and assistance to help meet basic human needs - as
well as our compassion and emotional support. The urgency of this mission
will inspire me to spend my summer pedaling 30 to 40 miles each week across
8,000-foot passes in preparation for this event.
I volunteer in my community by coaching youth basketball, assisting KRCC with
their spring fund drives, and riding for S-CAP. Whatever your personal motivations
for volunteering or supporting an organization, I hope you will consider a
generous gift to S-CAP this year. As S-CAP has recently experienced significant
cuts in government funding sources, we must increase our reliance on concerned
community members like you to continue to offer our critical programs and
services. With infection rates rising among youth, women, and people of color,
S-CAP's presence in our community is as urgent as ever.
This year, I have set a personal goal to complete my first "century ride,"
cycling a 100-mile course in a single day. I hope that you will be able to
support me in this challenge by … (details of how to donate.)
The Southern Colorado AIDS Project (S-CAP) is the beneficiary of the ride
proceeds. S-CAP provides essential HIV/AIDS related services to those in need.
Staying in motion until there's a cure,
Letter 5
Dear Friends, This has been a learning and growth centered winter and spring.
To say the least, I have certainly been challenged personally and professionally.
One ongoing, positive component in my life though, is the time I spend on
the trail training for the ESCAPE Ride.Riding my bike, along the Monument
Valley and Santa Fe Trails has proven an excellent time for introspection
and balance. Likewise, riding to work each morning, up the Austin Bluffs,
and then down in the evening, I have been invigorated with an inner strength.
I am reminded of how our financial and volunteer commitments to the ESCAPE
Ride make an immediate and real difference in people's lives who are living
with HIV/AIDS in Southern Colorado.If you have not already contributed financially
to my ride, please consider doing so immediately. Likewise, if you are considering
volunteering to support my ride on August 11-14, please talk with me! My goal
this year is to raise $<insert goal here> and increase volunteer hours.
I know we can achieve this together!My longtime friend and ESCAPE Ride supporter,
<insert name here>commented to me recently, "I look forward to
the ESCAPE Ride each year. Not only is the time I volunteer at the ride personally
rewarding and fun, but in doing so, I see firsthand that my financial donation
is critical. Client services at Southern Colorado AIDS Project are a worthy
and necessary service that no one else is providing - SCAP is the only organization
of its kind in Southern Colorado."Thanks for your financial and moral
support!
P.S. Please send your checks to SCAP at 1301 South Eighth Street Colorado
Springs, CO 80901. In the memo, please include my last name.
Letter 6
Do you believe HIV/AIDS is curable -- that this pandemic is no longer an economic
or world health crisis? Do you associate HIV/AIDS with biased labels including
"the gay plague?" Do you believe HIV/AIDS is only a problem in Africa
and gay male culture?On the contrary: HIV/AIDS is NOT curable and it is diagnosed
in EVERY population regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion,
age and class. Don't take my word for it...
"One of the primary reasons I speak out about my HIV status is that I
do not fit the label or stereotype of an HIV positive person. I am a white,
educated, female, happily married to my husband Barry, as well as a Dean's
list scholar at CU-Colorado Springs. I am the uncomfortable reminder that
AIDS can affect anyone, not just a nameless, faceless person who "did
something wrong." More importantly, I tell people about my HIV status
to empower and help them search inside, for compassion and caring, concerning
the fight against HIV and AIDS. Everyone touched by this disease, regardless
of who they are or how they contracted it, deserves to live with dignity and
to have access to basic care. The ESCAPE RIDE is a benefit I know well! As
S-CAP's most successful fundraising event, it has helped hundreds of people
in Southern Colorado affected by HIV, including me."
---[Lisa LaForge]
I participate in the ESCAPE Ride, in part, because of friends like Lisa. Lisa
benefits directly from the ESCAPE Ride, but has also been a rider and volunteer
over the last 4 years, and a fantastic contributor to the Colorado Springs
and the University of Colorado communities. In fact, last year, Lisa and her
husband helped me over many a mountain with their enthusiasm, smiles and spirit.
Over the last 5 years, the ESCAPE Ride has created a revenue for vital services
such as restocking the food bank, rent allowances, counseling and case management,
insurance continuation, hospice care, dental hygiene services, etc. Remember,
your generous gift helps people in Southern Colorado living with HIV like
Lisa. Take this opportunity to write the largest check you possibly can and
support my Escape Ride.Thank you for your generosity
and caring spirit."Staying in motion until
there is a cure."
**Please make all checks to Southern Colorado AIDS Project and send them to
1301 South Eighth Street Colorado Springs, CO 80906. In the memo, please write
my last name.
Letter 7
Dear ______
I hope all is well in your part of the world. I am continuing to love living in Colorado and being so close to so many outdoor activities and friends. I have begun volunteering at the Southerc Colorado AIDS Project (S-CAP) as an ESCAPE Ride bicyclist.
S-CAP does so many great things for our clients who are living with HIV/AIDS and for the greater community. S-CAP provides a broad range of assistance to men, women, and children living with this life-threatening infection to support them to maintain optimal wellness and access life-extending health care. S-CAP also delivers realistic and reliable prevention outreach to arm youth and adults with the knowledge to protect themselves from infection, and increases awareness of the continued local threat of the epidemic. One of S-CAP's many programs that has touched me deeply is the Journeys and Memories (JAM) Kid's Club. JAM Club is a recreational and educational support group offered to all families with children 18 and younger who live in our service area and are either infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Children living with HIV/AIDS experience far greater stress, fear of rejection, and isolation than their unaffected peers, and their parents are challenged to meet their needs as they face skyrocketing medical expenses. JAM Club is designed to give parents a break, let children experience opportunities that they may not otherwise be able to enjoy, introduce children to other kids facing similar challenges, and serve as an age-appropriate health education tool.
Currently, there are more than 100 kids in southern Colorado who are either infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS. JAM club offers these children a lot of fun activities like going to the water park and the zoo, and at the same time promotes health education through HIV -related discussions and kid-centered support groups. JAM Club also provides school supplies and holiday gifts to participating families. All of JAM Club's services are currently free for all participants, which is important because most S-CAP families can afford to pay only for necessities. Parents report that without JAM Club, their children would face the holidays without presents, and would have little access to recreational opportunities.
In 2005, S-CAP suffered a $93,000 reduction in federal funding toward client services, and all urgent programs are feeling the loss. In the hope of keeping JAM Club available for all clients, keeping our HIV prevention programs alive, and sustaining all of S-CAP's critical services, I am biking in S-CAP's annual ESCAPE Ride challenge this year to raise money for S-CAP. The event is scheduled for August 11-14, we would greatly appreciate any support that you can offer to sustain S-CAP's programs and services like the JAM Club.
All donations are tax-deductible; after the ride you will receive a letter from S-CAP verifying your generous gift for your tax purposes. Thank you for considering a gift at this time, and using the enclosed envelope to mail your check at your earliest convenience. Please make all checks out to the "Southern Colorado AIDS Project," and write "rider name" in the memo line. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at 1-800-241-5468.
Thank you in advance for
your support,