August 24, 2007

Dear Dads,

This year marks the 56th anniversary of the Fathers Club, founded as the Dad's Club in 1953 by the legendary Al "Sleepy" Thompson. As envisioned by Coach and Athletic Director Sleepy Thompson, the Fathers Club is an association of Dads who work together to support the athletic programs and teams of the School through volunteer efforts, financial contributions and the sponsorship of athletic events. We believe that an important aspect of our children's education is the self confidence, sense of team, fair-play, and fellowship that develops when kids have a chance to enjoy organized sports.

In addition to sponsoring six major events at the school, the role of the Fathers Club is to help ensure that, at all levels our children have the best facilities and equipment available. In essence, we "go the extra mile" – to make sure that items which fall outside of the regular school budget can be obtained. To that end, we work closely with the school's athletic directors and coaches to explore ways that the Fathers Club can help. In previous years, we have made contributions to the renovation of the Matt Kelliher Lacrosse/Soccer field as well as the Football Stadium field and track. More recently, we have assisted in purchasing equipment for the athletic trainers, the weight room, the boys baseball and football teams as well as the girls softball and volleyball teams.

HOW DO WE GENERATE FUNDS?

The vast majority of our income comes as donations from Dads, primarily from our SuperBoosters and our single biggest fundraiser, the Sleepy Thompson Basketball Tournament. Other events that we sponsor each year include the All Sports BBQ, the Pancake Supper, the Girls Basketball Tournament, the Holiday Wrestling Classic (now in its 31' year), and the Girls Spring Fling Lacrosse Tournament (now in its I 7th year).

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

First, by becoming a member of the Fathers Club. As the attached registration/volunteer form indicates, a basic membership is just $50. We, of course, hope you will become a SuperBooster for a tax deductible contribution of $250 or as a Patron for $500. Second, volunteer to help at our events. Third, if you have any suggestions as to how we can improve what we are doing, let us know – we are always receptive to new ideas and encourage you to attend our planning meetings (shown on the school calendar).

The attached membership/volunteer form also will serve as your reservation for the 3"I Annual All Sports Kickoff Dinner, which is just around the corner. The dinner is scheduled for Friday, September 7th at 5:30pm on the Upper School Campus. Coaches of all sports, at all levels (Upper, Middle and Lower Schools) will be available to meet with you and your family. Please join us for an evening of fun, food and music. Kindly complete and mail the form along with your check to the Fathers Club at the Upper School address, today.

Again, we look forward to seeing each of you at the Kickoff Dinner on Friday, September 7th.

Best Regards,

Bob Johnston
President

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