On the brink, Xcel lives to see its 10th Anniversary

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January 2, 2006

Dear Friends:

Young people never cease to amaze me. When given opportunities to lead, they do! Case in point: Last month, just before Christmas, all the adults involved with Generation Xcel determined to close our doors at the start of 2006 (Xcel’s 10th anniversary year) due to financial challenges that began when an anticipated $75,000 grant fell through in August. We’ve operated week-to-week ever since, and when we had to borrow money to meet Christmas payroll, the Board recommended a shut-down. Thankfully, Xcel is a “by youth for youth” agency, which means young people had to approve our “adult” decision. They said no way, and asked for an opportunity to keep the doors open by volunteering through the end of the after school year. Even our staff — still young themselves as 21 and 18 year-old college students — offered to work as volunteers through the end of January, an outcome I desperately want to avoid. As I write this, ten teens have given up their last day of Christmas vacation to make phone calls asking adults to match their volunteerism by pledging monthly financial support for 2006. Some of you may have already received one. Please hear their cry and respond generously. If 200 people, businesses, or churches contribute $75/month, Generation Xcel can operate all of its programs without any interruption of services. Would you commit to invest $50, $75, $100, or some other amount in monthly support? Or if possible, would you consider becoming an Xcel Angel by making a one-time gift of $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000? All contributions to Generation Xcel are tax deductible and can be made online via Paypal or by sending a check to:

Thank you for your prompt consideration. Kindly reply to this email indicating your giving preferences: online or by check; one-time gift or monthly suport; and amount.In Service, Jeremy