First Book Charlotte: Silent Auction Donations Needed

Communication #1 1/31/09

Subject: First Book : Silent Auction Donations Needed

To: Family

Dear Family,

Mark and I will be Co-Chairing the First Book-Charlotte silent auction at the “Evening of Magic” Gala on May 29^th, 2009.  We wanted to reach out to you in the event you may be able to help by providing a tax deductible “in-kind” donation of goods or services.  Some great ideas include:

·        Signed sports paraphernalia

·        Original art or photography

·        Tickets to a major sporting event

·        New golf or tennis equipment

·        Spa gift cards or basket

·        Use of a vacation home

First Book-Charlotte is part of the national, all-volunteer non-profit network of local advisory boards whose sole mission is to help children from low-income families read & own their own books.  Since our launch in 2006, First Book-Charlotte has granted more than 55,000 brand new books to children in Mecklenburg & Union counties.

   Why do we do what we do?

·        80% of low-income child care centers have no age-appropriate books

·        More than 62% of low-income families have no books in the home

·        In the average middle income family, there are 13 books per child; in the average low-income neighborhood, there is 1 book for every 300 children…

You can feel confident about supporting First Book.  Not only is our purchasing power unmatched (we can provide a brand new book for on average $2.50), but as an all-volunteer organization, you can be sure that the funds or in-kind donations you provide go directly to providing books to children in the area.  We have received both national and local accolades (4-star rating from Charity Navigator, Forbes Gold Star Charity, “Best of the Best 2008” by Charlotte Magazine, are among the list), and are passionate about making a difference in our community.

I have attached a list of last year’s items of in-kind donations.  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Contact Information:

Mail:

Sara & Mark Thomas

c/o First Book

17810-J Half Moon lane

eMail:

sara.thomas@twcable.com

Secure Fax:

704-973-6045

Phone:

704-840-9098

Attachment: AuctionItems08wnotes.doc (46.0KB)

Attachment: AuctionProcurementPkg09.pdf (123.0KB)