Update From Sylvia

... hard to believe it is fall already! Where did the time go?

First, some not-so-good news:

Samaritan's Feet has cancelled their trip for November. According to his e-mail they were unable to get enough shoes and not enough people signed up to go with the organization to help us. He had mentioned that they would try in the spring. Of course, for those of us who worked so hard on our last trip to ensure that EACH child would get the right size, this is saddening. Also, I had hired someone to take the measurements of each foot and determine actual shoe sizes. And, lastly, Daniel Prins was working to get 2,000 pairs of socks donated. Let's hope that Spring becomes a reality.

Second, last call for the Christmas trip (leaving November 28, returning December 4):

Eileen will be going with Michele and me as well as Frank Dalotto and his wife so we currently have five. Frank is handling all the details for the trip ... airfare is around $1,900 and the balance of the trip is around $475 so it did come in less than $2,500. Make sure you get your Malarone and Visa. Michele and Eileen ... go for multiple entries - that's good for a year.

Third, our goal for just the orphans for 2009 is $80,100. When you look at everything else it comes to close to $150,000. Michele, Tony and I met today to discuss partnerships and alliances to see if we can extend our ability to raise money. If any of you have any speaking opportunities, let me know. I am going to put together a video/powerpoint presentation that will go anywhere.

Fourth, breathe a little easier as the rash of school burnings seems to have slowed down. And, special thanks to Eileen who is raising money to purchase solar powered motion sensitive spotlights that we will mount at each corner of the school and in the courtyard as a deterrent to anyone intruding. We will take them with us when we go for the December trip.

Lastly, the Back to school mailing went out Friday, to hit Tuesday which is one of the highest ranking direct mail days for response rates.

Thanks to all of you for your on-going concern and support ... every little bit helps!