Can you provide private sector stimulus funds?

Last week we celebrated our annual year end dinner with more than 200 parents, volunteers and students. It was the type of event that puts tears in your eyes and cements the commitment I have to keeping this program going.

However, while the government is making all kinds of money available through Federal Stimulus Grants, these dollars won't do much to help keep small programs like Cabrini Connections in business. They are funding 'add on' activities, rather than operating dollars that pay the rent and keep current people employed. While there will be a quick turn around, most of those spending time writing grants, won't get funded, and won't know results until September or later.

If you have a rent bill, or payroll, due this week, and don't have money to pay, a government grant won't help.

However, our volunteers, leaders, parents and alumni can help. If you can send a donation, even $5, please do. If you can introduce us to a corporate sponsor, or individual donor, who can make larger gifts, please take this role.

Last week's dinner celebrated work done every year since the fall of 1992 when Cabrini Connections, Tutor/Mentor Connection was created. Every year we have had to find volunteers and donors to help do this work.

If we are to continue into the future, more people will need to share in the responsibility of finding the money than just Dan and the Board. The word community was used often in last week's dinner. We are a community.

We need help from everyone in the community to find the dollars that keep Cabrini Connections and the Tutor/Mentor Connection available to Chicago kids.

Got an idea? Email me at tutormentor2@earthlinknet or call 312-492-9614