Maasai School Moshi,Tanzania	Friends-Together Retreat Avon Park, Florida

 Dear Supporter,

Almost 5 million people were infected by HIV globally in 2005, the highest jump since the first reported case in 1981 and taking the number living with the virus to a record 40.3 million, the United Nations said recently.  This statement is startling and you can help do something about it.

My name is Julie Sprague and I am a volunteer for a non-profit all volunteer organization called Friends-Together, Inc. which provides education and support for children and their families infected and affected by AIDS.  Based in Florida, the organization raises funds through generous donations to provide retreats at no cost to hundreds of individuals.  Unfortunately in the last two years, the fundraising efforts have been reduced by approximately 80% due to hurricane related issues. 

To raise global awareness for the cause and money for the organization, a small group of volunteers, including myself, ventured to Africa to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in August of 2004.  What we saw in Africa was astounding and we vowed to return to continue the educational and medical relief efforts that we began.  We will be returning in June of this year, but need your help to continue.  Each volunteer pays all of his own expenses, but pledges to raise a minimum of $5000 in donations that will go directly to the people in need.  10% of the funds raised will stay with our dear friends in Tanzania to help them fight this deadly disease. 

I have proudly been a part of Friends-Together since it’s inception in 1998.  I have witnessed the power of education and support change people’s lives through the guidance of Cathy Robinson-Pickett, her late husband Steve, and the Friends-Together quarterly retreats.  I have seen HIV positive children who had given up and wanted to die go on to college and inspire others.  This is truly a worthy and cost-effective effort.

You can find more information about Friends-Together and our fundraisers at: friendstogether.org.  Please let me know if you would be willing to sponsor me for this noble and important cause by filling out the sponsor sheet on the back or by pledging your donation online. 

                                                                                 Thank you for your support,

                                                                                 Julie Sprague