UTM Rodeo Team

[wildrose]

I won't be able to help this year because I'm in the middle of prepping for a move to VA, but perhaps some other person here would like to....

" Last year I wrote you on behalf of our rodeo team at the University of

Tennessee at Martin. I explained that although our student-athletes receive an

excellent education, our scholarship money is limited to what we can raise. Most

of our kids come from small rural towns and need financial assistance to be able

to attend college. Many will be the first in their family to do so. The lure of

being a member of a team, being able to bring their horse to campus, and the

encouragement of a coach to walk them through admissions is vital in giving many

the courage to take the big step to leave the familiarity of home and attend

college. I also told how they will receive much more

than just practice on their roping and riding skills as there is a weekly team

meeting in which they learn life skills, such as goal setting, the importance of

attitude, striving for excellence and overcoming obstacles, avoidance of drugs

and alcohol, and the individual's value to the team. Because of the excellence

of this program, Coach Luthi has received the prestigious Rawhide Award three

times for developing values and encouraging healthy lifestyles in and out of the

arena. Tuition has sky-rocketed and another tuition hike is

forecast for next year. Many of these students are discouraged about their

ability to financially attend college and we have already lost some students as

financial casualties. To help with this dilemma our team is again hosting a

scholarship auction April 12, 2008, in conjunction with the 40th Annual UTM

College Rodeo. There will be about 8,500 spectators and 250 contestants

representing 32 different colleges during the 3 days of the rodeo. Last year you

very graciously sent 5 of your wooden boxes and a business card holder to the

auction and they resulted in some lively bidding. Anything from you would

greatly enhance our auction and benefit our scholarship fund. You may contact me

at 731-881-7426 if you have any questions. I know you must get many requests and

I appreciate you considering this one.

Sincerely

Diane Luthi

15 Mt. Pelia / 1022 Elam CenterMartin, TN 38238"

[TracyMoss]

Need more info.

[wildrose]

Sorry, every time I copy in her letter, something weird happens...I think this time it's all there?