From: Sandi Zets <jsandi@mail.com>
To: <USNA-Net> <usna-net@navy-usna.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2000 4:56 PM
Subject: usna-net: FD8...FundRaiser...

To My USNA-Net Family,

Over the past several weeks, you have read posts from WP-Org and from Mike about the current fund-raiser (FD8). Tonight, I want to send you a personal note explaining what all this means to me, a Navy Mom.

By now, you should be aware of what a tremendous resource USNA-Net has been for you. Mike and I have spent countless hours to give you a website with information and features that you will not find elsewhere. We do this out of a sense of love and commitment, if we did not enjoy doing it, we could not continue. If my mail is any indication of how important USNA-Net has been to you, then I know that we have been successful. Every day, I read the posts that come to the lists, just as you do. I read the posts as a parent, first, and then as a Moderator. Even though my son graduated from the Academy last May, I still feel connected to the Yard and to every parent and Mid. I read your questions and comments and have often been told that for every person who actually writes, there are dozens more who were wondering or thinking about the same subject. I can feel your gratitude when you find that one piece of information you were searching for. I can almost see your smiles through your words of thanks when a member, through their descriptive words, makes you feel that you were right there beside them, enjoying the special, as well as the everyday, happenings on the Yard. How comforted were you when other parents let you know you were NOT alone in your situation, or when thoughtful parents wrote you personally to give you answers or hope and encouragement?

You know, that is why we are here. To offer each other answers, sprinkled with caring and concern. We have found a family with each other...and I know that many of you have found life-long friends because you met right here on our Lists. What a wonderful thing email can be!!

We have always told you that USNA-Net has no membership fees: its services are provided to us free of direct charge. But WP-Org, who supplies us with everything that we need to bring you USNA-Net, needs funding in order to continue to operate. To fund operation, WP-ORG depends on our voluntary support. I know that Mike has likened our fund-raiser to your local Public Broadcasting fund-raisers...you get great service whether you donate or not...but today I want to ask those of you who have not yet donated to do it NOW...don't put it off any longer.

Information about individual donors and donations is strictly confidential - known only to WP-ORG's CFO. However, he's informed us that FD8 has received 167 contributions from our total membership of 1516 USNA-Net subscribers. That's 11% of our members who have taken the time to either mail a check or submit an on-line donation. To everyone who has donated, my heartfelt thanks! But I just know we can do better! Please take the time, tonight, to show us that this service we have provided is important to you.

To donate on-line using our secure server with your credit or debit card, go to our web site at www.navy-usna.org and click on the Blue "INFO" box in the middle of the main page. Just read and follow the instructions. It won't take ten minutes.

Or if you prefer, you may mail a check (payable to WP-ORG, Inc.) to...

West-Point.Org Inc.
PO Box 2108
Abingdon VA 24212-2108

Please Indicate "NAVY PARENT - CLASS OF 'XX" on your Check.

I want to thank all those, once again, who have already shown their support by donating to WP-Org. And a special thanks to everyone who will donate tonight, as well !!

Go Navy-Beat Army

Sandi

*** USNA-NET post by: Sandi Zets <jsandi@mail.com