Dear GAA/GAE Parents, Friends, and Family:

             I am very excited to share with you a great community service project that GAE/GAA students and parents are being encouraged to support, and that is the “Duck Race” community fundraising event sponsored by the Glendale Kiwanis club.  The Glendale Kiwanis, in partnership with over 60 agencies and non-profit organizations in the greater Los Angeles area, is holding the 5^th year of the Kiwanis Incredible Duck Splash (K.I.D.S), its biggest fundraiser to help fund Academic Scholarships, Literacy and Youth after School and Enrichment Programs.  An estimated 30,000 rubber ducks will be raced, competing for special prizes for their adoptive parents.

            The Glendale Kiwanis club is dedicated to supporting programs and projects throughout the community that benefit young people.  Our school has directly benefited from their generosity over the years.  Each year one GAA senior receives a significant, multi-thousand dollar college scholarship funded by the Glendale Kiwanis club.  Also, as a result of our Kiwanis involvement, we also been blessed to add a new Hispanic student College Scholarship sponsored by the Glendale Latino Association.  We also just received word that Glendale Kiwanis has agreed to fund our grant request to purchase an AED unit (automatic heart defibrillator) for our athletic department at a cost of approximately $1,300. 

Because the organization so believes in young people, Glendale Kiwanis will automatically give back to Glendale Adventist Academy 50% of all monies raised.   We can use these funds towards whatever school projects we would like.  Furthermore, if we are one of the top three schools in getting duck sponsorships, we receive additional rewards.

This is the one charity that truly benefits young people in our community as well as our school.  I urge you to sponsor a “duck.”  It only costs $5 or you can purchase a “Quack Pack” of 5 ducks for $25 which also enters you in a raffle for a $1,000 prize.  Whatever you contribute would be greatly appreciated.

            Enclosed is a “Duck Adoption Brochure” to help sponsor little “quackers” to race at Lake Glendale, at Verdugo Park on Saturday, October 24.  Additional details of the event are in the attached form.  Please visit our “Duck Race” website at http://www.ducks4kids.com for further information.  Kiwanis has cordially invited everyone in the Glendale community to bring their families and friends to participate in this fun weekend event and “quacktivities”--- all for a CHARITABLE cause!   Come and cheer your ducks to victory! 

However, it is important for our Adventist families to note that although the big duck race itself is on Saturday, you don’t need to be present to win.  This avoids conflict with any Sabbath responsibilities you might have.  You don’t even need to be present to win the first prize of $10,000 and a chance for $1 Million for a specially marked “Ducky.” And there are 4 additional winners for $1,000 each!  Again, each “Quack Pack” of 5 adopted ducks also gives you a chance for a bonus drawing of $1,000!

            You may send a check payable to Glendale Kiwanis Youth, Inc. and enclose it in the envelope provided or you may pay by credit card by providing the required information in the form.   We are asking GAE students to return the completed forms to their teacher, and GAA students to their school counselor.  This enables the entries brought in by students to be counted for our own local school prize incentives.  Remember, entries must be to the school no later than Tuesday, Oct. 20, just a little over two weeks away.  Please support this worthwhile project.  If you need more “adoption” brochures for friends, relatives, or coworkers, they are available in the Academy business office.

Many thanks in behalf of the thousands of children who will benefit from your kindness.

Sincerely,

Glen Baker, Ed.D.

Principal