SOCIAL, PERSONAL, AND MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS
445
SAMPLE LETTER 17.42. Letter written to raise funds (semiblock format). [date]
Mr. James Lewis 186-A Savin Hill Avenue Bethany, North Carolina 23234 Dear Jim: There’s a story told about a conversation between F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. Fitzgerald remarks to Hemingway: ‘‘The rich are different from you and me.’’ To which Hemingway responds: ‘‘Yes, they have more money.’’ The encounter came to mind when I heard a talk given by John Templeton, one of the beacons of light in the investment world. When he came to the part of his speech where he was to tell the audience what he thought the best investment would be for the future, he had the entire audience on the edge of their seats in anticipation. And then he hit them with it: ‘‘The best investment for the future,’’ he said, ‘‘is tithing 10% of your annual income.’’ It seems Templeton had followed this philosophy for years and felt it had paid off handsomely. Now, I’m not suggesting that you ‘‘tithe’’ 10% of your income to Clarkson Community College. But I think there is a lot of merit in what Templeton says. If you want to see tangible results from your money, if you want to see your dollars at work, then investing in the future of Clarkson Community College is a sure bet. When the stock market languishes, Clarkson Community College continues to flourish doing what it does best—educating students. The outlook for the future of Clarkson Community College is good. The college is blessed with a growing number of entering students each year. Academically, the college continues to challenge students. Athletically, the teams of Clarkson continue to tough it out on the playing field (or courts or pools). Student publications and productions continue to provide experiential opportunities. All the trappings needed to educate graduates who go out and find success are there. Please try to give what you can to Clarkson. Be sure to check whether your company has a matching contribution plan. Think of what you give not so much as a charitable donation, but as an investment, one that you will know is at work every time you visit Clarkson,