January 5th, 2008
Dear Friends,
It’s that time again! 12 months have past since 300 + moms, dads, former NVA players and kids laced ‘em up to play for a good cause. The “7th Annual Margo Moreland 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament & Carnival” will be held a MONTH EARLIER THIS YEAR on Sunday, February 10 th at the Lake Forest High School Field House. For more tourney, 3- point shoot and carnival info, see page two. The cause remains the same - to provide a one-day, fun-filled event designed for the entire family, which raises money for families in need of Conductive Education therapy and equipment. The event will feature a silent auction with sports tickets and memorabilia, a carnival filled with a moon jump, balloonist & fun games and prizes, and our classic 3 on 3 tournament.
For those of you unfamiliar with Conductive Education, it is a holistic therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Developed in Hungary, Conductive Education is only offered at a handful of centers in the United States. Since Conductive Education providers and facilities receive no state or federal funding, finances are a perpetual challenge, both for centers and for families who must pay for care out-of-pocket. It was in response to these financial challenges that we started the 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament and formed the Margo Moreland Charitable Foundation (MMCF).
Jennifer and I are committed to doing all we can so any child with CP – no matter what financial means – will be able to benefit from Conductive Education.
In 2007, The Margo Moreland Charitable Foundation funded over $23,000 in grant requests for Conductive Education therapy services, tuition and travel expenses for a Conductive Education summer camp at The Gorton Community Center, and equipment for individuals and schools. Also funded were traditional therapies including horseback riding (hippo-therapy) for CP children. Listed below are notes from families who wrote to say “thanks” for the financial assistance MMCF provided:
“The Trip Trapp chair which you provided for our daughter now allows her to sit at the table during meal time.Thank you for giving us this experience. For my daughters laughing with each other and for the pleasure my husband & I get from watching them. For the ability to experience what I know will be some of our most precious memories.” – Prairieview, IL
“This year we are hosting 4 summer camps & your incredible generosity will allow us to serve over 40 children who live in low-income households. THANK YOU for giving so many an opportunity to learn!” Patti Herbst, Exe Dir., Centre for Independence Through Conductive Education –Countryside, IL
“Thank you for funding 30 sessions of Hippo therapy for Joseph at Equestrian Connection. He is nonverbal + non responsive but lights up on horseback. Thanks!” - 79 yr old grandmother who cares for her grandson Chicago, IL
For those who are unable or choose not to attend Sunday, February 10th, we respectfully request you consider making a donation, which can be made payable to “MMCF.” Thanks again for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,
Kraig & Jennifer Moreland