Dear Friends:
I am writing to inform you of a very unique opportunity that has
been afforded me. In June I will be traveling to Africa with the
AIDS organization Friends-Together, Inc.(http://www.friendstogether.org/).
Our mission is two fold, first we will have a group of brave young
men and women who will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania as a
fund raiser for Friends-Together (Mount
Kilimanjaro - Peakware World Mountain Encyclcopedia). This is a
little more challenging than a bike ride or walk for AIDS. They are
each collecting pledges of support. While I will not be climbing the
mountain I will be part of the support team. We too are asking for
support donations. We will all be responsible for our own expenses,
the pledges go directly to fund the programs of Friends-Together.
Attached you will find a pledge form to support my
participation. Friends-Together is one of the most amazing
organizations in the country, sponsoring camps for individuals
living with HIV/AIDS and their families. These weekend bonding
experiences are invaluable in helping families to heal, love and
move forward. Above is a link to their web site which I encourage
you to visit. The organization was founded by Cathy Robinson-Picket
and her husband Steve Pickett. Last trip Steve was the only climber
to reach the top of Mt Kilimanjaro. Unfortunately we lost Steve
last April in a terrible automobile accident. This year his 14 year
step son, Garrett hopes to reach top of the mountain and
spread Steve's ashes. Read his heart felt tribute letter to Steve on
their website under Climbing for a Cause II Back to Africa.
As part of the support team I will also have the special
opportunity to go into the villages of Tanzania providing medical
supplies and HIV education. Like most of Africa, Tanzania has been
especially hard hit by the AIDS epidemic. HIV has heaped devastation
on an already poverty stricken country. I know the experience will
be both gut wrenching and heart warming at the same time. Please
join me in supporting Cathy and the great people associated with
Friends-Together by sending in a tax deductible pledge.