Sample letter 1

May, 2010

Dear <<name of friend>>,

I have decided to run a marathon this year. Wondering how this couch potato grew legs? Read on. A few days ago, I picked up a flier from the gym at my company and on an impulse decided to attend an information session about Team Asha’s marathon program. The flier didn’t say much, so as I sauntered in, I was curious about Asha and this marathon program of theirs. I knew that Asha for Education is an organization dedicated to socio-economic change in India with a focus on basic education in the belief that education is a critical requisite for socio-economic change.

I listened to the story of Reena who is six years old and is not too keen on going to school in the morning. According to the Public Report on Basic Education investigators who visited her school in Salempur UP, the little children of classes 1 and 2 were huddled together like bhed bakri ka jhund (a herd of sheep and goats). The other children crowded the three small dark and dirty rooms that make up the school building. Except for the headmaster none of the teachers were teaching when the investigators arrived. This flagrantly dismal school was not an aberration. And it was only one of the several complex forces that was responsible for the dysfunctional education system in place today.

"... Of all the world's illiterate people, 35% live in India ... Although schooling is free and compulsory from 6-14 years of age, facilities are inadequate and often totally lacking. Approximately 40% of students, mostly girls, drop out by secondary school ... it is estimated that by the year 2020 over 50% of the illiterate population will live in India ..." source: http://www.roomtoread.org/Page.aspx?pid=304

Through Team Asha, I saw a way I could help. As someone who has had the privilege of receiving a fine education, I decided it was time to do my tiny bit to ensure that these children have a chance, a hope to get what was rightfully theirs – the right to dream big dreams. On October 12th, I will run the Chicago marathon on behalf of Asha. Yes, that's right, 26.2 miles - which I hope to do in 5 hours. It is no mean task I’ve set on to achieve and I am going to train hard for it. I hope you will support me in my endeavor.

Today, Asha for Education has more than 1000 active volunteers across 73 different chapters worldwide. Since its inception, Asha has supported 400+ different projects in many states of India. In terms of project funding, almost 17 million dollars was disbursed to these projects and has impacted more than 500,000 children. You can find more information about the projects Asha-Silicon valley supports by going to http://www.ashanet.org/siliconvalley/projects.html

I have committed to raising at least $2100 and I will be truly happy if I could raise more. Team Asha pledges to keep operational costs at a maximum of 3%, and strive in the process that 100% of your contribution will go towards the cause. Charity navigator and independent organization that rates charities has given Asha for Education a 4 star rating, the highest. http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=7630

I feel honored to be a part of this wonderful and dedicated team. I ask you to join me in supporting this cause. Whatever you can give will help. Of course, your contribution is tax-deductible. Thanks in advance for your support.

I am eagerly looking forward to that moment when I will cross the finish line. It will be a great moment for me, one that will signify the triumph of human spirit, physical ability and mental endurance - it will be a celebration of life!

Sincerely,