SPRING CAMPAIGN LETTER 2007

Spring News from the Sweet Pea Foundation!

The Sweet Pea Foundation is happy to report some exciting new developments this spring:

 Since the Foundation began in 2004, it has purchased and delivered over 2,500 toys to various organizations that are caring for sick children. Last month, we contacted a plush toy manufacturer about creating a “signature toy” for the Sweet Pea Foundation. The idea is to have a stuffed toy that will be identified with the Foundation. Another benefit to creating our own stuffed toy is the ability to maximize our dollars—we will be able to purchase more toys to distribute to more children. We are incredibly excited about the idea of having a toy that may be identified as the “Sweet Pea Toy.”

To help us get this project started we are going to allocate some of the funds raised from the last campaign that have been earmarked for purchasing toys. We are also going to use forty percent of the funds received from this spring campaign to help make this project a reality.

In addition to our stuffed toy project, the Foundation is also planting its first “Seed of Grace.” We are joining the Host-a-Room Club of the Chicagoland Chapter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities. As a room host, the Foundation will adopt a room one night during each month of the year by covering the $50 cost to operate the room for the night. We know firsthand what an incredible difference this “home away from home” can be to the families of seriously ill children staying at the Ronald McDonald Houses.

Ronald McDonald House of Indiana Fund

Next month will mark a year since we invested the money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Indiana. Later this year, the Foundation will present the House with a check for $3,500 for the first year’s contribution to support a room each night at the House. We are very excited to make this presentation to the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana, and fulfilling the Foundation’s first objective is incredibly satisfying because we know first hand the wonderful service that is provided by the House. Look for a complete report of our trip to Indianapolis in the next campaign mailer.

“Seeds of Grace”

This summer we are going to “plant” our first seed with Ronald McDonald House charities of Chicagoland. The Foundation is becoming a member of the Host-a-Room Club. As a room host, we adopt a room on a specific night by covering the $50 cost to operate the room for that night. In addition to providing a home away from home for a night, we may also have the opportunity to decorate or add a personal touch to our host room and are currently investigating options with the House staff.

In addition, we have invested enough money to support the Host-a-Room Club for many years to come. We are excited about “planting our first seed” and look forward to cultivating more seeds in the future.

Toys and Gifts

In May, we contacted a plush toy manufacturer and inquired about creating a “signature” stuffed toy for the Sweet Pea Foundation. The desire is to create a 10 inch stuffed toy that can be identified with the Foundation. It will be specifically manufactured for the Foundation and will include a fabric tag with information about our organization. We are still in the exploratory phase of this project, but hope to have the concept and design completed this summer.

Blarney Bash

This year’s Blarney Bash was another great success. We had close to 200 people join us on St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate with traditional Irish cuisine, green beer and Celtic music. We extend a special thanks to our sponsors (listed on the back cover) for their generous support. Save Monday, March 17th for next year’s Blarney Bash!

Kickoff Classic Golf Outing

Mark your calendar! The fourth annual Kickoff Classic golf outing has been scheduled for August 31, 2007 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.

Grace-E-Grams

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 the Foundation 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, gender, age and room number and the anticipated length of stay.

Million Tab Club Update

The current count of pop can tabs is 214 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.

Our Pledge

We want to remind you that 100 percent of your contribution will be directed toward programs that help sick children and their families. All marketing and overhead costs continue to be paid for by the Letherman and Power families. We also want to reaffirm to you that your mailing information will not be shared with anyone. If you would like to be removed from the mailing list, please send back the enclosed card indicating that you would like to be removed from the list.

As always, we must thank you for your generosity and support. We are very aware that none of the progress we have made would be possible without you. We are sincerely thankful.

With gratitude,

Pete, Suzanne, Andrew, Cecilia & Angel Grace Letherman

Autumn 2006 Campaign Letter                                    Spring 2006 Campaign Letter

Autumn 2005 Campaign Letter                                    Spring 2005 Campaign Letter

Autumn 2004 Campaign Letter                                    Spring 2004 Campaign Letter