August 1, 2008

Dear Class and Parents:

My husband, Dick, and I have once again made a commitment to build a Team for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk. We invite you to join us as a Team member by participating and raising funds. As you might already know, a big part of the educational mission at Greenwood is to teach our students how to be involved in Public Affairs and to become good stewards of their community. This is our community service activity. You may still join the walk, even if you do not want to raise funds. Last year’s 4^th grade team raised 0ver $6600 for first place.  We would like to surpass last year's group. Individual goals need to range from $25 - $200 (or more).  Past students are joining our group this year, too.

     The Light the Night Walk is a 2 to 3 mile evening walk where Teams of co-workers, friends, and family members carry the balloons in celebration and commemoration of lives touched by cancer. This event will take place outdoors in the south parking lot of Bass Pro. Join Angie Weidinger from FOX-TV and KOLR-10, event spokesperson, and Steve Edwards, 2008 Honorary Chair, as they host Springfield's 9th annual Light the Night Walk on Saturday, October 4, 2008.  the carnival and registration will start at 6 p.m., and the walk will begin at 7:45 p.m.  Plenty of free parking will be available.  All participants will be treated to a fun carnival, complete with food, face painters, bounce houses, games, music and much more.

     All fund-raising participants will receive an illuminated red balloon to carry during the walk. Cancer survivors will carry illuminated white balloons.  There are various incentives given for different levels of money raised. Go to: http://www.lightthenight.org/site/c.itJZJ7MOIwE/b.711801/k.F796/Incentives.htm to find out more. You may register to collect funds on-line.  See the front page of our classroom website for the address.

     Team members raise funds by encouraging friends, family, and others to contribute. (While you’re at it, why not get them to join our team? The more the merrier!) All funds raised will support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s mission to cure leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.  You might like to begin raising money before school even begins.

     As Team Captains for the Greenwood Fourth Grade Team, we hope you’ll join us in this worthwhile and uplifting experience. When we begin school, I will give you the following: a sample paper balloon you could sell to a friend or neighbor for $1.00 (or more) to help raise funds (I can get tablets of these for you, if you like.) and a Walker Collection Envelope. The back of the envelope needs to be filled in and signed by your parent even if you do not raise any money. (Signing it releases the Leukemia Society from liability that night.) You can turn in the signed envelope as soon as possible when school is in session. I will also have these envelopes available at our parent meeting. 

    Please join us for a very special evening. You’ll not only enjoy yourself, but you’ll experience the fulfillment that comes from getting together for a very worthwhile cause. If you have any questions, call me at home at 581-5459. Check out past Light the Night gatherings on our website at http://courses.missouristate.edu/ShaeJohnson, then choose the Our Showcase link from the top bar.

    If you have a business or corporation and would like to donate or match our fundraising to the cause, please let us know.  Springfield's LTN goal this year is to raise $100,000.  We really need the help!
 
Sincerely,
Shae and Dick Johnson