SPRING CAMPAIGN LETTER 2006

The Sweet Pea Foundation has experienced another exciting Spring! We continue to receive an overwhelming amount of support and are excited about our progress. The Blarney Bash was a wonderful success again this year. The fund for the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana continues to grow. And, we have had the opportunity to speak to many wonderful organizations about the Sweet Pea Foundation.

In the News:

In March, a local newspaper – the Elkhart Truth – had a front-page story about Grace and the Foundation. We were very excited about the article and humbled by the words of support and encouragement we received. A copy of the article is available at the following link: Elkhart Truth - Family of Grace.

 Ronald McDonald House of Indiana Fund:

We are rapidly approaching our goal for establishing the fund for the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana. We anticipate that we will be able to establish the fund before the end of the year. We are working with a financial advisor to determine the best and safest investments for the fund. We will direct 70% of the funds that we receive from the Spring 2006 Campaign toward this goal.

 PICU and NICU Purchases:

In March we purchased over 20 crib aquariums and 20 other “big ticket” toys that we delivered to Chicago Children’s Memorial, South Bend Memorial, and Elkhart General Hospitals. In May, Riley Hospital received five portable DVD players, headphones, and movies for the NICU. These will be used to help the children and parents pass the time while in the hospital. We hope to provide more portable DVD players to the hospitals by directing 10% of the funds received from this mailer toward these items.

Blarney Bash:

This year’s Blarney Bash was again a huge success. We had over 200 people join us on St. Patrick’s Day Eve to celebrate with traditional Irish cuisine, green beer and Celtic music. We extend a special thanks to our sponsors for their support.

Kickoff Classic:

Mark your calendar! The third annual Kickoff Classic golf outing has been scheduled for September 8th at Juday Creek Golf Course in Mishawaka, Indiana. If you are interested in sponsoring the event or would like to participate, please contact Pete Letherman at 574-296-1310. We will forward more detailed information about the outing later this summer.

Pop Tab Meter:

The current count of pop can tabs is 166 gallons. Please contact us if you have any pop tabs that you would like to donate. The tabs are being collected on behalf of Ronald McDonald House Charities. (Just 234 more gallons of tabs needed for the Foundation to reach the Million Tab Club!)

What’s Next?

As we approach fulfilling our goal for the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana Fund, we are considering new ideas and projects for the Foundation and invite any suggestions. We are going to set aside 10% of our funds from this Spring Mailer for this project that has yet to be determined.

Toy Count:

The Foundation has purchased and delivered over 2,000 toys to Riley Hospital for Children, Chicago Children’s Memorial Hospital, Memorial Hospital in South Bend and Elkhart General Hospital. We are excited about the growing toy count and look forward to dedicating 10% of the Spring Campaign funds toward expanding the toy count.

“Grace-E-Gram:”

If you have a family member or know of a child that is going to be hospitalized for an extended period of time, please let us know. We will send a small package of toys and books to the patient. We have already sent several of these packages to various children’s hospitals across the country. Send an email to sweetpeafoundation@comcast.net. Please provide the hospital’s address, patient’s name and room number and the anticipated length of stay.

This Spring Campaign is especially exciting because we are beginning to look at new ideas for the future of the Foundation. We will continue to provide toys and other items to the hospitals. As we look to the future, the funds for the Spring Campaign will be distributed as follows: 70% for the Ronald McDonald Fund, 10% for toys, 10% for “big ticket” items for the PICUs and NICUs, and 10% for a project that is yet to be determined. 

We thank you for your continued support of the Sweet Pea Foundation. Your assistance allows us to provide a little happiness to sick children, and we know firsthand how important every little bit helps.

Thanks again for your generosity.

The Sweet Pea Foundation
Pete, Suzanne, Andrew, and Angel Grace Letherman
 

Autumn 2005 Campaign Letter

Spring 2005 Campaign Letter

Autumn 2004 Campaign Letter

Spring 2004 Campaign Letter