An unabashed request for your money

The trailboss got this request for money on his computer today, along with an opportunity to assist a Nigerian in recouping lost millions; a special deal on male hormones; and a chance to lose weight by eating a lot of food.

Nonetheless, we thought this request particularly blogworthy. Read on, oh Alexandria boomer.

If you can read this, you should thank the Alexandria public school system. If you can read this on your very own personal computer, you should thank the Alexandria public school system for enabling you to become so successful. If you can read this on your very own personal computer while flying in your very own private jet, please include me in your will.

The following e-mail message (and letter attachment) from Paul Donley, Executive Director, Alexandria Area (School District 206) Education Foundation, provides information as to how you can best thank the Alexandria public school system. Your contributions to the Foundation will help finance such as electron microscopes for the 3rd-grade science class and space shuttle rides for the 11th-grade astronomy club. OK, a bit of hyperbole. Seriously, the Foundation's funds will be used for whatever purposes the Foundation board determines best address the needs of the school district (in consultation with the school district, of course) - to include anything from equipment to major curriculum initiatives. [The need for an education foundation is not unique to Alexandria - there are many throughout the state and more are being created all the time. In fact, our relatively novice foundation recently received inquiries from two other school districts as to how to establish such foundations!] We're going to have some fun too - for example, the Hall of Fame luncheon on Homecoming Day.

So please pass this message along to fellow alums, class blog sites, and class reunion committees. Mr. Donley, his appreciative board of directors, and, most importantly, all current and future students thank you.

Sincerely,

Tom Obert
Cub Reporter, and personal valet to Mr. Donley

(Photo by Obert -- his work steadily improves -- of School Superintendent Terry Quist -- Class of '71 -- and Mr. Donley. )

ALEXANDRIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The School District 206 Education Foundation was established to promote and develop the educational assets of our community. The goal of the Foundation is to raise $1 million over five years to support a wide range of activities to include student programs, literacy grants, and K-12 curriculum initiatives.

The short-term goal of the Foundation’s advisory committee is to raise enough money for operating expenses. These funds will be used to initiate communications, fund raising, alumni relations, and events, such as a hall of fame event (to honor distinguished alumni). Ultimately, of course, the goal of the Foundation is to raise an endowment fund large enough to finance its mission solely from interest earned on that fund.

Through its affiliation with the Minnesota Community Foundation, which manages the fund, School District 206 Education Foundation offers a full range of charitable giving vehicles and access to gift planning assistance. Contributions can be made to:

School District 206 Education Foundation
P.O. Box 308
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308

Your contribution will have a long-term, ongoing value for the students of Alexandria Public Schools. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,


Paul Donley
Executive Director