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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-06-25 - AGENDA REPORTS - FUNDING REQUEST HOMESTAY (2)NEW BUSINESS DATE: SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: BACKGROUND AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval Item to be presented June 25, 1991 Funding Request for Cultural Homestay Institute City Council The Cultural Homestay Institute has requested that the City of Santa Clarita assist them in their efforts to send 16 local students to Russia for the first time this July as American Youth Ambassadors. Each of the students were asked to raise $2,100 by July 1, but several _ are not fully funded as yet. The 16 students collectively have raised over $13,000, and are currently seeking another $17,000 by July 1 for all of the students selected as American Youth Ambassadors. The students have offered to work in a community service capacity for organizations that financially support them. They are offering 25 hours of work from each of the 10 of them to a donor or donors for $500 per student. Attached is their proposal to the City. City of Santa Clarita. RECOMMENDATION Provide direction to staff. Attachments: Request letter GRF:jjm 393 This is not a budgeted item for the Agenda Item: CULTURAL HOMESTAY INSTITUTE- P.O. Box 55262, Santa Clarita, CA 91385-0262 U.S.A. (805) 259.4904 June 10, 1991 Carl Boyer, Mayor CITY OF SANTA CLARITA 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 300 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Re: SCV Students Going to RUSSIA Dear Mayor Boyer; As you may know, the City of Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Valley has 16 students going to Russia for the first time this July as American Youth Ambassadors. These high school and junior college students represent the best of W.9 Hart High, Saugus High, Canyon High, and College of the Canyons. Each of the 16 students has had the task of gathering $2,100 by the July 1 deadline to be able to go to the USSR for this timely educational and cultural opportunity: to witness history in the making, the Soviet metamorphosis from communist socialism to democracy; a change no one of us thought we would see in our lifetime. Those students who are, to date, not fully funded, alphabetically, are: James Bishop Jodi Grass Janet Guggemos Dan Hinton Darcie Herr Jerry Kennedy Tammy Mason Shannon Michaels Robert Miles Junny Rinkenberger College of the Canyons College of the Canvons Saugus High College of the Canyons W.S. Hart High Sa,-„-;us High Saugus High W.S. Hart High Canyon High Canyon High The 16 students collectively have raised over $13,000 to date on their ownand are seeking another $17.000 by Julv 1 for all of the students selected as American Youth Ambassadors to be able to attend. Alt:h-.-gh several local organizations,. corporations and individuals have contributed to their efforts, they are seeking the assistance from the City.of Santa Clarita to help them reach their goals. They would also welcome and be very grateful for support from individuals as well. ., r.:, -"?y CQUNCiL, CLERK Date RECEIVED JUN 18 1991 CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SANTA CLARRA Page 2 Attached is theirambitious calendar of fund-raising events for the next 2 weeks. You can see that the students.•themselves are diligently and enthusiastically pursuing this challenge. They are all local,.all-American kids who make up a good representation of our American community. The students are sure the City of Santa Clarita and its governing Council will enjoy the recognition it will receive for its support and participation. Furthermore, upon their return the students would like to speak about their experience with their City leaders and share with you the difference you have all made in their lives by helping them participate in this rare opportunity. The students have been offered a community service idea to help them obtain corporate and political supporters. They liked the idea and are eager to begin work on it as soon as possible. They are offering 25 hours of work from each of the 10 of them to a donor or donors (or to any non-profit local organization that the donor might choose), in the form of.community service work for the consideration of a donation of $500 per student who works. The iob could be Filing, being a "go for", or any responsible and practical one that the company or City can use. As we have a funding deadline, the donations would have to be received by us here at C.H.I. before the July 1 deadline. The students are able to generally work at least 1/2 of these 25 hours prior to their departure to Russia and would complete the remaining work after their return on August 22. A few of the students say they would be able 10 Wbyk off all of these hours prior to their July 30 departure.if asked to do so. Of course, we must set a time limit for the completion of the work. And we must have the students sign a simple agreement for these community service hours to signify their honor. I believe it is a workable plan and hope you concur. Perhaps you know of other organiza- tions or individuals whoa.would-also participate with these students in this. way. There are many creative opportunities for a donor in this plan. The students eagerly await your reply and are ready to begin as soon as possible. I will personally be out of town the week of June 17-21 and would like to be able to turn over such opportunities to the students by Monday, June 24, knowing that by then they have a contact for that week to help them set.up this plan. I respectfully await your reply and stand ready to implement this plan for these students, with your suggestions and perspective included. Since lv, rb Hai a Executive Director, SCV East West Program Southern California Attachments BH:nee C.H.I. FUND-RAISING STATUS REPORT AND PROPOSED FUND-RAISER EVENTS BY STUDENTS AND FAMILIES TO RAISE FUNDS ON OR BEFORE JULY 1 for 16 local Santa Clarita Students going to RUSSIA. PROGRESS REPORT: There are 16 Santa Clarita Valley students going to RUSSIA on July 31. The cost for each student is $2,100 for his share of this incredible 21 day educational opportunity. All students are seeking persons and organizations which will financially support their efforts to be able to go. Many students are taking questions with them on this trip, questions given to them by a sponsor, which they will answer while in USSR -as part of their research and education. We have received funds and have received pledges for funds to date of over $13,000 for the Santa Clarita students going to Russia as American Youth Ambassadors. We must find the.other $17,000.by the July 1 deadline so that all 16 Santa Clarita high school and college students can go. PROPOSED AND SCHEDULED FUND-RAISER EVENTS DURING JUNE to support this cause: GET OUT YOUR CALENDARS AND DAY TIMERS AND WRITE THESE DOWN. ALL -FAMILY ALL -VALLEY RUMMAGE SALE: Mark calendars) Scheduled Valencia. ALL OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THIS SALE WILL GO TO C.H.I., a non-profit international cultural exchange organization, specifically to support these local students going to Russia. DONATIONS OF ALL KINDS WILL BE COLLECTED FROM YOU IF YOU WILL JUST CALL WHEN YOU WANT THEM PICKED UP. Simply call 251-9511 and leave your name, address, phone # and tell us how large of a truck we must •bring and when the goods will be available. We will be sure it is picked up. Begin collecting things cleaning out your truck. Please understand that all moneys earned from the sale of these goods will go toward the total needed at this time of $18,000. We have received funds or have received pledges for funds so far of over $12,000 for the students going to Russia. We must find the other $18,000 by July 1st. We need people.to volunteer to help with the "set-up" for the Rummage Sale, early the morning of. Also, Several people will be needed to man the garage sale in shifts. We will be selling refreshments, cokes, coffee, etc. If you can help man the Garage Sale, please call the Rinkenbergers (252-9511) and let them know that they can count on you to remember. You can also collect items in advance from neighbors or friends or merchants or teachers which they might donate to you to sell at the All -Family All Valley RUMMAGE SALE, to benefit the kids going to Russia. Larry and June RINKENBERGER ARE IN CHARGE OF THE RUMMAGE SALE. CONTACT THEM AT 251-9511 Page 2 2. BUSINESS LUNCH & POST -CARD PARTY: Mark your calendars! Scheduled for FRIDAY. JUNE 28. Plan to.drive on over for lunch anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to the white GAZEBO under the oaks at The Master's College, 21726 W. Placerita Cyn. Rd, Newhall, to MEET THE STUDENTS GOING TO RUSSIA AND TO HAVE LUNCH WITH THEM. Have your photo taken with them and their movie star friends. Sign up to receive a postcard from one of the students while they are in USSR; Lunch is $10 (the same.as you would pay for any Business Lunch!) and includes great sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, cookies, refreshments with the help of students and families and Masters College. WHAT A DEAL! Your donations to the students will be tax-deductible and will help defray the expensive international mail fees. Be prepared to fill out a post -card with the name of the person who is to receive this card, their correct mailing address and also sign a master sheet. The students will be waiting for you and will gladly write to you during their trip and mail these cards from Eastern Europe. 3. STRAW -HAT " PASSWORD" PIZZA NIGHT: Mark your calendar to be sure and bring your friends and family to STRAW HAT PIZZA at 23646 W. Lyons Avenue in Newhall on TUESDAY EVENING June 18, from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. BE SURE TO SAY the PASSWORD when you place your order or you may have trouble getting your food. The PASSWORD is 'C.H.I." and helps the students earn money from STRAW HAT from a portion of the proceeds for the evening. So let's have Straw Hat pay BIG BUCKS to help these students go to Russia. All students and family members: TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO GO TO the Newhall STRAW HAT TUESDAY EVENING, June 18 and CELEBRATE GRADUATION there. Tell all your friends, relatives; family members, business associates to have pizza THAT NIGHT and the PASSWORD IS "C.H.I." that night. These students will be there with their families and they need your support to meet their July 1 funding deadline. 5. BENEFIT DINNERS: TICKETS ARE FOR SALE. TWO DINNERS ARE PLANNED SO FAR at J.S. MULLIGAN'S for Monday evening. JUNE 10 from 6:30 p.m. for Cocktails and 7 p.m. for Dinner AND also, a BENEFIT DINNER is scheduled for THURSDAY evening, JUNE 27 same times, same place. Tickets are $25. CALL 259-4904 FOR YOUR TICKETS NOW for either night: SEATING IS LIMITED and Mulligan's wants to sell out both nights to help these kids raise funds to go to Russia. Located at 25848 N. Tournament Rd. just below (alLr}c in t_h_o V9c}a v9llano (`on}or Tho ctnAon}c �ui11 ho }horn t_n moat .+u a♦♦L ru ♦ r♦♦r .a�a.i')L it �`. ..♦r rr441 V111.0 r LiY b1iLLV rL l:i �'r \. • ii iir'i...0 .. ... .. ....iii you and to see that you are well taken care of. Each student and his family is selling a portion of the tickets in advance. If you don't know a student, call us and we'll introduce youtothem. Student participants will be there at Mulligan's these two evenings to tell you why they want to go to USSR, what they hope to see and do there, how this trip will benefit the community upon their return, what kinds of research (if any) will they do while they are there, etc. Students will be waiter and waitresses and receive the tips. SO BE GENEROUS. Your donations are tax-deductible. 6. COMMUNITY SERVICE: OPPORTUNITIES ARE NEEDED to help these students raise more money before and after their July 1 deadline for funding. A few companies have said they will donate funds up front toward a participant's fare so the student will meet his July 1 deadline if the participant will sign up to help the company through community service work at/for the company or if the company chooses, at a non-profit organization of the company's choosing. Examples of these non-profit organizations are: the Special Children's Center, the Senior Citizens Center, the Boys and Girls Club, the Rotary, Zonta, C.H.I. etc. WE HAVE STUDENTS INTERESTED if your company will help them raise immediate Page 3 need funds, needed by July 1 deadline. Remember these students are the "cream of the crop" and eager to earn money in any way to go to RUSSIA. Please offer whatever you.can. Some examples so far are: $200 for 10 hours of community service work; 5 hours completed prior to leaving and 5 hours completed after returning. $300 for 15 hours; 5 before, 10 after. $500 for 25 hours; 10 before, 15 after. Please call Barbara Haire at 259-4904 as soon as possible if you or your company or organization needs some things done and can help these kids in this way. This is a great way to help the local YOUTH earn their way and get good on-the-job experiences in the real world. 7. ESSAY: We need a company.to sponsor an Essay Contest so the students can earn money through creative writing. The Company asks the student to write an essay... a 500 word essay: " Why I Want To Go To The USSR.... and What I Think I Can Give Back To The. Community As A Result of this Experience IS..." and then when the student returns, have him/her tell you what their perceptions were during the trip and after. S. Write this one down!!! STUDENTS ALL -VALLEY -CAR WASH is scheduled for SATURDAY. JUNE 29 at the CHEVRON Station at Lyons and Wiley Cyn in Newhall from 8:30 am to 3 pm. Tickets are on sale for $3.00 for cars, $5.00 for pick-ups and vans. The students.will be using hose shut-off nozzles to save water. The students will be glad to wash your RV or your All Terrain Vehicle... just come on over and let them help you set a price for the deal. BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW. GET YOUR TICKETS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: Newhall: Rose Garden Florist 24270 Lyons Ave, Newhall 255-7730 One for the Books 23418 Lyons Ave., Newhall 259-5595 SCV Lock N Key 22938 1/2 Lyons, Newhall 259-8025 Valencia: Chamber of Commerce 23920 Valencia Bl., Valencia 259-4787 Printmasters 23360 W. Valencia B1.1 Valencia 253-1496 Saugus: Round Table Pizza.26524 Bouquet Cyn., Saugus 297-3556 Canyon Country: Charmaine's Rambling Rose Florist Camp Plenty/Soledad 251-7700 Round Table Pizza 16612 Soledad, CynCntry-252-8000 ALSO, ALL STUDENTS WILL HAVE TICKETS for sale AFTER MONDAY 6/10. You can also call.for a ticket at 259-4904. ----------------------------------------------------- IT's RUSSIA OR BUST! CALL US AT 259-4904 WITH ANY IDEAS THAT HELP THESE KIDS EARN THEIR WAY. They all appreciate whatever you can do. Sincerely, Barbara Haire AND The 16 SANTA CLARITA VALLEY students going to.RUSSIA C.H.I. DONATION FORM Company or Individual Name Addres City State zip Corporate Headquarters (If applicable) Addres Telephone STUDENT NAME City State zip Telephone Date of Trip Group Number $2,100 Cost of the Program for one student is $2,100. 1,000 500 Amount of Donation 300 200 Checkscanbe made out to C.H.I. 100 50 Please send the completed form with your donation check to: Cultural Homestay Institute East-West Program Southern California P.O. Box 55262 Santa Clarita, CA 91385-0262 C.H.I. thanks you for your contribution. It is your support which makes this wonderful cross-cultural educational program possible. Cultural Homestay Institute (C.H.I.) is one of the educational enrichment programs of the Corporation for Economic Education, a non-profit, tax-exempt, educational and charitable organization founded in 1977. Tax exemption granted under Section 501 (c)(3). of the U.S. Code. For your records: Federal #94-2404633 and California #812697.