As the flood waters recede...

I am ever mindful that those of you who support our work whether here in Chicago or in other corners of America are the ones who REALLY are on the front lines where disaster or despair abounds. Many of our donors and volunteer donate multiple times each year and, believe it or not, many of those same individuals will tell me 'I wish I could do more!'

Do more? Are you kidding?!! You often don't see the water in the second floor of a home in Baton Rouge or the kids who too often lack sufficient supplies in a Chicago classroom. You also don't see the smiles on faces of the many thousands who get a backpack, a warm coat, a sparkling clean uniform or get to lace up a pair of soccer shoes.

No, you don't get to see a young girl and/or boy holding a trumpet or sax for the very first time, likely struggling to make a few sounds. These are the untold successes of your many efforts to reach out, to reach out and answer those who, like yourselves, just want a chance.

So, as the waters in Baton Rouge go down, know that you have lifted the spirits of those who most need a helping hand.

Thank you,
Dick