| "Never
doubt that a small group of people can change the world. Indeed
it is the only thing that ever has."
This
powerful quotation by Margaret Mead sits above the entrance to
our volunteer training center. A day has not gone by that I haven't
been reminded of the significance of that quote—the significance
of the work of our volunteers.
I
am often awestruck at the commitment that each and every one of
you makes to serve with our organization. You are dedicated men
and women who give up time from your own families, jobs, and weekends
in order to spend quality time with our
children. As volunteers you have to deal with a myriad of challenges
– parental issues, less-than-ideal facilities, and the ups and
downs of working with children – conditions that would make many
other people run. Yet, through it all you never lose focus; you
never waver; you are in it for the right reasons— serving the
kids of this great city.
I
am overwhelmed with your generosity and humility. You bring credibility,
expertise, and momentum to our mission. It is not often that children
get to learn and grow from such positive, caring adult role-models.
And, we, at Think Detroit PAL, are all so grateful to each volunteer
for choosing to share your gifts with us.
Last
year Think Detroit PAL served approximately 12,000 kids in our
programs and achieved success in building character in young people
though athletic, academic, and leadership development programs.
Most importantly, we did not merely provide young people with
programming opportunities. We paired them out with the best resources
we could find—you.
So,
while we may not thank you nearly enough, each and every one of
us at Think Detroit PAL knows that without you, none of this work
would be possible. So, thank you for the work that you do to help
make Detroit a great place to be a kid and raise a family.
Graciously
Yours,
Daniel
S. Varner
Chief
Executive Officer
Think
Detroit PAL
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