Citizen Advocacy of Washington County

10-4!

My Investment Summer 2008!

"You're Needed Across Town!"

Dear Friend of Citizen Advocacy,

Recently I saw photographs of some of the devastation in Burma from the recent typhoon as well as pictures from the provinces in China hit just a few weeks ago with a powerful earthquake. The photos were moving.

I was especially moved when I saw a short, online video of a Chinese mayor who was being interviewed by a foreign news correspondent. The mayor was pointing out devastation to the reporter and then he suddenly stopped, looked into the camera and the tears began flowing. He had lost his wife, parents and children in the quake. Words couldn’t express his grief. But the tears did. A moment later, however, the Walky-Talky on his belt sprang to life.

He was needed across town. There was another emergency that needed his personal attention.

He acknowledged “10-4” and raced away, turning to wave and thank the reporter. Despite his hurt, when his community needed him he was ready to help.

As a homeowner, worker and commuter in Washington County, I know how difficult things have gotten financially for many of you as they have for me. Rising gas and food prices are pinching everyone’s wallets. Everything from utility bills to the price of dog food has gone up. It’s not a crisis, but it sure is alarming.

At times like this it’s hard to focus on other people’s needs
when our own are so pressing.

I know the feeling. Yet, somehow I just couldn’t put the image of that courageous Chinese mayor out of my mind. Even though I couldn’t afford to write out a check to World Relief, I couldn’t afford not to. The check needed to be written. His story was so moving.

I’m writing you today because I want you to consider another “moving” story; the needs of your “community” Citizen Advocacy program. Our work is important as we’re the only program in the county doing what we do – matching citizen advocates in the community with developmentally disabled partners.

In a way it’s your community need “across-town.” I’m asking you to look beyond your personal needs for the moment and, like that Chinese mayor,
meet that need!

Please consider an investment in Citizen Advocacy right now. Our working list is long and we’re striving to make as many matches as possible in 2008. Your generous investment of $100, $250, $500 or $1,000 can go a long way in helping us to meet the challenge we’re facing right now to keep this program strong.

Here’s what I’d like you to do:

– First, read Mark’s story. I enclosed a copy. Then, go to our website and click on the “stories” icon just below the logo at the top left hand side of the page. There are a number of moving stories of courage, compassion and friendship for you to read.

– Next, click on the Summer Appeal icon. Your click will take you to our appeal page and give you an opportunity to use your MasterCard or VISA to make your investment statement.

– Or, fill out the enclosed response card and return it with your generous investment in the enclosed reply envelope.

– Finally, look for our quarterly newsletters as we keep you up to date on how this critical program is doing.

Your support will help us continue to expand our countywide leadership role in matching individuals with developmental disabilities with citizens in the community.

We need your help! I hope you’ll accept this opportunity today to meet the needs of your community by stepping up and making a commitment to
Citizen Advocacy.

I urge you to consider your gift as an investment in the future of all those living in Washington County with developmental disabilities.

Sincerely,

Mark C. Brunner

P.S.–If your total annual commitment is over $200, a plaque in your name will be mounted on our Friends of CA wall plaque and your name will be featured in our quarterly newsletter.

For further information, call 262-334-3384 or contact Mark Brunner:
Email: mbrunner@cawash.org

All gifts to Citizen Advocacy of Washington County are fully tax deductible!