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Dear Valued
Friend of the Amy Biehl Foundation,
The purpose of this letter is to ask for your help. The ABF
finds itself at a crossroads; we need to examine our long-term
sustainability and direction. This letter outlines our needs
along with our plans for the future. Please take time to read
this document thoroughly and consider our request.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Amy Biehl Foundation aspires to be an engineer in the bridge
building process between the world's privileged and less privileged;
we use education, opportunity, interactive dialogue, and life
skills as our tools.
OUR NEEDS
For the past ten years the ABF has infused all raised funds
directly into the townships of South AFrica. Following the launch
of the Amy Biehl Foundation Trust in 1997, the ABF has acted
as a conduit sending all monies to the Trust in Cape Town. There
has been no infrastructure in place here in the United States.
Our recent renovation of the website and the printing of our
newsletters make up the majority of funds spent in America.
The ABF lacks the financial resources necessary to establish
a "home base" in the country where we live and receive
the majority of our financial support.
We are asking for $100.00 (+) from one thousand of our most
eager supporters to go directly toward the following:
A) Long Term- Sustainability: The Amy Biehl
Foundation's financial support from USAID ends in 2005. We are
taking appropriate steps to secure our effective programs in
South Africa. However, we must secure future leadership. If
we can't create a solid infrastructure and a home base of operations
in the United States, our work in South Africa cannot sustain
itself.
B) Increase Involvement in the United States:
The ABF is often asked to participate and/or initiate activities,
events or programs here in the States or other nations. The
ABF knows that the lessons learned at the "grass roots"
level in South Africa could serve as valuable models throughout
the world. The ABF needs a home base of operations to take advantage
of and/or initiate funding opportunities at any time or place.
This often proves difficult due to Linda's hectic travel schedule
and we find ourselves asking the question "could we have
benefited by doing this?" far too often.
C) Fund American Operations Manager Position:
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1) Zach Biehl: Following
the death of Peter Biehl, Zach has become extremely vital
in the life of the ABF. Zach is 26 years old and is willing
and able to work full time for the Foundation. Currently,
Zach is making a very meager salary as the American Operations
Manager. This salary will not allow him to continue this
valuable work for much longer. He represents the future
leadership of the Amy Biehl Foundation and his ability
and desire to continue the legacy of our family is critical
for the future. The Foundation cannot afford to lose his
work as it would have a grave effect on the long-term
sustainability of the ABF. |
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a) American Operations Manager
Job Description: |
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1) Operation Manager:
run the day-to-day operations of the Foundation in the
United States. Maintain correspondence via telephone,
mail, and email. Conduct all office tasks, filing, organizing
materials, etc. Coordinate travel for Linda Biehl or other
ABF staff. Coordinate volunteers and fundraising events.
2) Fundraising: investigate, contact,
and propose funding opportunities to future partners of
the Amy Biehl Foundation.
3) Newsletter Coordinator: update mailing
list, oversee and edit content and ensure distribution.
Our newsletters have proven a valuable fundraising tool
for the past ten years.
4) Website Editor: update and change
website material on a monthly basis. The newly designed
website is a constant promotional tool for the ABF and
our programs. We must continue to ensure that new developments
and/or fundraising opportunities are displayed for our
supporters.
5) Speaker:
represent the Amy Biehl Foundation through public appearances
and invited speaking engagements. |
D) Small salaries/fees for contracted financial services
and other miscellaneous work.
E) Office Facility: currently the ABF operates
out of a small room in the condo shared by Linda, Zach and his
fiancee Denise. We need a separate office that would provide
us with the space to utilize the many willing volunteers and
a proper venue to hold meetings with potential partners/funders.
F) WHY SHOULD YOU HELP? Most of you are well
aware of the success of the Amy Biehl Foundation over the past
ten years. We have learned many valuable lessons over this time.
Our reputation as a "true grass roots" organization
has led to countless requests for assistance from all over the
globe. We know that the ABF can continue to provide tremendous
aid to the people of South Africa as well as share our methods
with others in our global society. We will never abandon our
grass roots methodology or approach, we only want to continue
our work and assert an even louder voice as "advocates
of action". If you take into account the impact of the
ABF over the past ten years, imagine what the future holds.
WE NEED YOUR HELP; TOGETHER WE CAN AND WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
If you have any questions about any of these issues
please contact Linda or Zach Biehl by telephone (949) 650-5356
or email at info@amybiehl.org
If you wish to contribute to these efforts please send a check
to the following address:
The Amy Biehl Foundation
P.O. Box 66
San Marcos, CA 92079-0066
** ALONG WITH YOUR TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION PLEASE NOTE YOUR
WISH TO SUPPORT THE ABF USA INFRASTRUCTURE. WE WILL NOT USE
ANY DONATED FUNDS FOR THIS PROJECT WITHOUT DESIGNATION**
Warmest regards,
Linda Biehl
Director, Amy Biehl Foundation |
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| See the latest news from South Africa. |
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| Friday 8/25/2006 is the 13th anniversary of Amy's death. |
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| The ABF is sad to announce the death of Program Director Solomon Makosana. Solomon had been ill for the past several months and finally could fight no longer on August 3rd |
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| Please see the photos of the ABF's recent activities in Seattle. Click Here |
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| The Amy Biehl Foundation is still in dire need of financial assistance. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. |
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The ABF would like to thank Mr. Scott Creelman and Spalding for the generous donation of 25 soccer balls to our Sports Program.
The ABF is very appreciative for the donation of ballet slippers, tap and jazz shoes made by Pandre' Shandley and the Accent Dance Studios, Inc. We also thank our former intern Sarah Cotton for her work in this wonderful contribution. |
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The Amy Biehl Foundation joins the world in mourning for Coretta Scott King. She was a true hero, humanitarian, and social activist. Below you will find the content of the letter she wrote to the Biehl family following Amy's death.
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Biehl,
I am deeplyand personally saddened to learn of your daughter Amy's death. Your loss is shared by all the people of conscience in South Africa, at the King Center, and around the world - - people, who like Amy, have devoted their lives to the quest for worldwide freedom, peace and justice.
Tomorrow, August 28th, commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the March on Washington where my husband, Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. As I march tomorrow I will, of course, remember Martin, but I shall also remember Amy's valiant effort and supreme contribution.
Although there is pain and sorrow, you should take great pride in her selfless dedication to such a noble cause. My prayers are with you and your family, now and always.
May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Coretta Scott King
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| The ABF is proud to announce that Tony Monfiletto has agreed to join our Board of Directors. Tony is the co-founder the Amy Biehl High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tony's commitment to the education and development of young people is well known and respected. The ABF will benefit greatly from Tony's talents. |
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| The following program is being put together by ABF Board Member Lori Markowitz.
Worlds Apart HEARTS Together...Community Building Through Global Understanding.
A special middle school educational program will be taking place May 30th- June 2nd in Seattle, Washington.
The program will engage students from Washington Middle School and the Amy Biehl Foundation in artistic workshops and civic dialogue promoting literacy and creative learning through authentic interactions focusing on cross cultural understanding and community building.
Book It Repertory Theater will be performing and providing artists in residents during the program. The University of Washington students and faculty will additionally be participating.
The students will have the opportunity to learn and share their different cultures and experience constructive engagement. The project will prepare the students to become globally competent citizens recognizing their own responsibilities in the world developing leadership skills. The project will encourage the empowerment of youth to help shape their futures. Through the spirit of Amy, the "Power of One" will develop citizens that will build character and confidence.
For more information contact: info@amybiehl.co.za attention Lori Markowitz. |
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ABF NEEDS YOUR HELP...
The ABF finds itself at a crossroads; we need to examine our long-term sustainability
and direction. This letter outlines our needs along with our plans for the
future. Please take time to read it thoroughly and consider our request.
READ MORE
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