2008 - Desperation Letter



I’m hoping this finds you happy, healthy and busy in all the right ways.

Today I’m writing because I need your help. This year I’ve committed to walking in not one, but two Breast Cancer 3 Day Walks. These 60 mile, 3 day walks raise funds for Susan G Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. To participate in these events I am required to raise a minimum of $2200 per event.

The Seattle 3 Day took place in September and was an incredible experience. It’s really difficult to put into words how an event like this can change not only your life, but your perspective on the world. The people you meet and the stories you hear are only part of it. An even bigger part is seeing the families and the survivors come out to cheer you on as you walk up still another hill. They stand for hours waving pom poms, holding signs, giving out high-fives and showing the community that this cause matters. In Seattle we raised over 8 million dollars that will directly benefit this important cause.

But I am not done yet.

November 21 - 23 I will be walking again in San Diego. My plane reservations are confirmed, days off at work scheduled, sleeping bag and tent decorations all packed, (Did I mention the part about sleeping in tents?) and I’ve been training faithfully to be able to complete this journey once again. The only thing missing is the $1100 I am currently short in my fundraising.

Those of you that have come to me for fundraising advice in the past may be familiar with the term “desperation letter.” It’s a letter you send out when you’ve tried everything you know how to reach your fundraising goal and you find yourself short. It’s the letter where you lay it on the line to your friends, family, co-workers and even casual acquaintances and ask for help. It’s not an easy letter to write but it’s the letter you are now reading.

Through some strange twists and turns this year I find myself short on fundraising and I desperately need your help. If I am unable to raise the remaining $1100 it will automatically come out of my personal funds after I walk - and I simply don’t have it. As a subcontractor at Boeing I’ve been unable to work for the past two months while they settled their labor issues and I’ve run through all of my resources.

This is where you come in. Some of you reading this have already donated this year and you have my humble, grateful thanks. Some of you have thought about it but never quite got all the way to my donation page. Some of you may not be able to donate right now but may know someone that can help. Every single dollar helps.

You can make a donation online at http://www.the3day.org. Just click on Donate Now and search for my personal fundraising page for the San Diego 2008 event. Net proceeds from this event will support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment.

Thank you so very much for your amazing continued support. The journey in San Diego will be even more special to me because of the incredible support YOU have shown me.

Gratefully,

Penny Kellam

http://pennys.pledgepage.org
kellam83@att.net