We need your help.  We are asking all past and/or present Santa Barbara Triathlon participants to join our fundraising efforts for 2008.  The education of our children is at stake.

Every year the Santa Barbara Triathlon partners with our event participants, volunteers and sponsors to raise awareness and money for a local non-profit organization. This year, we’ve made a few exciting changes. Inspired by our presenting sponsor Village Properties and their dedication to improving community education, we are honored to support two remarkable local organizations working to ensure that our children have the supplies and support they need to thrive academically:

The Teacher's Fund is a non-profit organization established in 2002 to assist local teachers with the purchase of critical educational materials frequently missing from classrooms. The Computers for Families Project provides students from low-income families with refurbished computers, Internet access and subsequent computer-skills training.

Why two beneficiaries? The state of California is facing an education crisis of epic proportions, and most experts agree it will get worse before it gets better. More than 100 teachers in Northern Santa Barbara County alone are expected to lose their jobs next year due to a proposed $4.8 billion budget cut in state education funds. Fewer teachers mean larger class sizes and less individual attention. What’s more, enrichment programs are shrinking, libraries are closing, music and art classes are disappearing and field trips are becoming a luxury of the past.

Because of this dire need, we are you to consider participating in our fundraising program. Every dollar you earn will be used to better the life of a child in our community. This year our goal is to raise community awareness and $50,000 for our two beneficiaries. We've made it easy for anyone to participate by providing sample emails, sample letters and for those of you already signed up, your own personal fundraising page[http://www.active.com/donate/sbtri08] . If you are not going to participate this year you can still help. Simply create a fundraising page yourself by going here or by making a donation:
http://www.active.com/donate/sbtri08

Thanks to our generous fundraising sponsors, we are offering exciting and easy-to-win fundraising prizes ranging from triathlon gear to a deluxe hotel and spa gift packages.

About The Teachers Fund: Teachers spend an average of $1,000 out of their own pocket each year to purchase basic supplies and materials.

Since its inception, the Teacher's Fund has awarded nearly $460,000 to more than 1,100 local public and private elementary and junior high classrooms. Unfortunately, demand continues to surpass supply, and the Fund is able to grant approximately half of the $15,000 in requests received each month. All money donated to the Teachers Fund goes directly to teachers and classrooms.

About Computers for Families: CFF has placed more than 7,000 computers into the homes of Santa Barbara County school children whose parents cannot afford to purchase these increasingly important learning tools.

In addition to providing computers, CFF trains teachers and students how to effectively utilize them to enhance education. By helping us to reach our current fundraising goal, CFF will be able to make a remarkable claim: Santa Barbara (including Carpentaria and Goleta) will be the first community in the United States to ensure that every child from a low-income family, beginning in the fourth grade, has access to a computer and internet connection in his or her home.

For the fine details about how to get involved visit our web site at:
http://www.santabarbaratriathlon.com/Fundraise2.cfm and learn just how simple it can be.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message.

Sincerely,

Joe Coito; Santa Barbara Triathlon