Event: Jefferson Mentoring & Volunteer Program Nov. 17th

Dear Potential Donor:

It is with great excitement that I write this letter early in this school year. As you may already know, the Jefferson Mentoring & Volunteer Program (JMVP), commenced nearly two years ago when our former Mayor Tom Potter relocated his entire City Hall staff to Jefferson High School with the hopes of soliciting a better understanding of the variety and complexity of struggles our students in Public Schools encounter.

I have had the great privilege to serve at Jefferson High School as the director for the JMVP. Via several meaningful partnerships with organizations like Saturday Academy (SA), we have been able to expose and enroll Jefferson students to the following courses: SAT Preparation classes, Math, Science, Speak Up: Communication, Study Skills , Medicine Up Close and many other classes. These course are rather expensive, however as a consequence of SA’s generosity, we‘ve been able to accommodate over 15 students in attaining scholarship opportunities last year.

This year, my goal was to enroll 2-3 students monthly in the academy.  Thanks to Mr. Gregory Chaillé , of the Oregon Community Foundation.  Mr. Tom Kelly, of Neil Kelly and Dr. Kris Alman, a community activist.  Because of their generous donations, 12 students have been enrolled in less than two months. The largest enrollment from Jefferson High School ever! Unfortunately, other students had to be placed on the waitlist until more money is raised. I am petitioning your support to raise $10,000 on behalf of JMVP to support the endeavor of enrolling more students into SA. I have enclosed a self-addressed stamped envelope to make a contribution. I‘m inviting you to make a difference in the lives of our future. You have an opportunity to play an active role in reducing truancy and further closing the achievement gap.

The students at Jefferson are like the students everywhere. They possess a desire and a passion for learning. Sometimes, they don‘t discover it until they are compelled to confront their talents and gifts. The Jefferson Volunteer and Mentoring Program seeks to accomplish just that–we want to propel young people to their ultimate destiny. We want them to recognize their strengths, talents and gifts sooner then later. There are several mechanisms that will drive this vision/mission. The partnership with SA is one of many in my effort to heighten the level of exposure and opportunity for Jefferson students.
In the process of greater exposure, I am looking to better prepare them to strongly pursue the opportunities as they arise.  It is my hope to continue to give the Jefferson students opportunities to learn and grow in meaningful ways. I don‘t want finances to pose a barrier. I am requesting your moral and financial support of this program. I believe in the work that I am doing. The young people at Jefferson are responding. I certainly hope that we could find some time to sit and chat further about my vision and immediate successes. Equally, it is my strong hope that you will invest in this program.

There is an immediate opportunity to show your support as we are planning an event for THURSDAY, Nov. 17th, 2009 from 8:00 am to 9:00 am.

Should you decide to make a donation to our efforts before Nov. 17th, you can send a check to Saturday Academy at 830 SW 10th, suite 200, Portland, OR 97205 or go online to www.saturdayacademy.org and click on donate at the top of the page. PLEASE INDICATE IN THE NOTE THAT YOUR SUPPORT IS FOR JEFFERSON’S MENTORING & VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ( or JMVP).  Also, please indicate whether or not you‘ll be able to participate and provide me with the best way to contact you.

In advance, thank you for taking the time to review this letter. I look forward to future collaboration.

Thank you kindly,

Daniel Capuia
Dir., JMVP
(503) 867-0092