June '08 Update -
Dear Friends.
Thank you for your interest and words of encouragement over the last several months. I have been overwhelmed lately with the question, "How's it ([S]BI) going? My note today is to let you know that several benchmarks have been met and SaveBerkeleyIceland.org remains dedicated to getting "Ice" back in Berkeley Iceland. This is going to happen!
From recent Media Release:
May 13th 2008 Page & Turnbull picked as Historical Architect for Berkeley Iceland's Restoration
<http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2008/05/12/daily17.html?f=et78&ana=e_du>
On March 26th in the early morning over the bay area air waves on KFOG, 11 year old Casey asked "What would Brian do?" Brian was most gracious and said he knew of our organization and would be happy to help. We have contacted his people and discussions are now happening. Under interviews click on Brian Boitano Part 2; 3.50 minutes into interview <http://www.kfog.com/morningshow/flashback.asp> Willie O'Ree, who played against the Seals at Iceland in the '50, on his visit to Oalkand, signed a letter of support and the Speed slaters are committed having the "Big Ice" back as well.
March 3rd 2008 SBI and Iceland owners enter into Purchase agreement
<http://www.wallstreet-online.de/nachrichten/nachricht/2289883.html>
We are currently in the "Quiet Phase" of our campaign seeking leadership gifts, concurrently with completing our $500,000 first round of funding, but I was assured by our campaign consultant & public relation professionals, that this didn't mean, keep my friends out of the loop! Thanks Peggy and Stephanie.
For myself, I've been promoted to Skating Community Networking Chair; I think that still means "Blabber". At the urging of Ward and Tom, all 20 of us that regularly attend our bi-monthly meetings, have written a check. More important than the amount is the commitment continuing the flow of funds to keep our goal on track. Our bi weekly meetings remain open to all our supporters.
The "Quiet Phase" remains a challenge for me, but it means we are seeking individuals, foundations and corporations with high capacity and commitment to Iceland and our campaign. House parties, matching funds donations, and community out reach events are all on our "to-do list" at some point in the campaign. This summer we will be signing up new 'Friends of Berkeley Iceland' at fairs and festivals throughout the area. You can find me at a Bay Area rink, my calendar is filled with SBI Community Outreach events, dance sessions, and several competitions on the Music desk.
I'd like to invite each of you to be a 'first round funder' in saving Iceland by making a gift of any size by June 30th. It's easy to do so at www.saveberkeleyiceland.org and also sign up as a Friend of Berkeley Iceland (you don't have to make a gift to be a Friend!). The more names we have, the more compelling it is for the foundation, corporate and philanthropic community to support us. As always, all suggestions will be acknowledged, all questions will be answered. If you're at the rink, on the phone, or on the internet, you can reach me. Thanks again for your support and kind words if encouragement.
Most Sincerely, Don
Thank you for your interest and words of encouragement over the last several months. I have been overwhelmed lately with the question, "How's it ([S]BI) going? My note today is to let you know that several benchmarks have been met and SaveBerkeleyIceland.org remains dedicated to getting "Ice" back in Berkeley Iceland. This is going to happen!
From recent Media Release:
May 13th 2008 Page & Turnbull picked as Historical Architect for Berkeley Iceland's Restoration
<http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2008/05/12/daily17.html?f=et78&ana=e_du>
On March 26th in the early morning over the bay area air waves on KFOG, 11 year old Casey asked "What would Brian do?" Brian was most gracious and said he knew of our organization and would be happy to help. We have contacted his people and discussions are now happening. Under interviews click on Brian Boitano Part 2; 3.50 minutes into interview <http://www.kfog.com/morningshow/flashback.asp> Willie O'Ree, who played against the Seals at Iceland in the '50, on his visit to Oalkand, signed a letter of support and the Speed slaters are committed having the "Big Ice" back as well.
March 3rd 2008 SBI and Iceland owners enter into Purchase agreement
<http://www.wallstreet-online.de/nachrichten/nachricht/2289883.html>
We are currently in the "Quiet Phase" of our campaign seeking leadership gifts, concurrently with completing our $500,000 first round of funding, but I was assured by our campaign consultant & public relation professionals, that this didn't mean, keep my friends out of the loop! Thanks Peggy and Stephanie.
For myself, I've been promoted to Skating Community Networking Chair; I think that still means "Blabber". At the urging of Ward and Tom, all 20 of us that regularly attend our bi-monthly meetings, have written a check. More important than the amount is the commitment continuing the flow of funds to keep our goal on track. Our bi weekly meetings remain open to all our supporters.
The "Quiet Phase" remains a challenge for me, but it means we are seeking individuals, foundations and corporations with high capacity and commitment to Iceland and our campaign. House parties, matching funds donations, and community out reach events are all on our "to-do list" at some point in the campaign. This summer we will be signing up new 'Friends of Berkeley Iceland' at fairs and festivals throughout the area. You can find me at a Bay Area rink, my calendar is filled with SBI Community Outreach events, dance sessions, and several competitions on the Music desk.
I'd like to invite each of you to be a 'first round funder' in saving Iceland by making a gift of any size by June 30th. It's easy to do so at www.saveberkeleyiceland.org and also sign up as a Friend of Berkeley Iceland (you don't have to make a gift to be a Friend!). The more names we have, the more compelling it is for the foundation, corporate and philanthropic community to support us. As always, all suggestions will be acknowledged, all questions will be answered. If you're at the rink, on the phone, or on the internet, you can reach me. Thanks again for your support and kind words if encouragement.
Most Sincerely, Don
Don Willis; Ph & Msg 925.939.9480; 1672 Springbrook Rd.; Laf
The Old Adult Ice Dancer and Ice Skating Enthusiast
2nd Generation Berkeley Iceland Skater, Mom 4x National medalist
& Retired World Judge in Singles, Pairs & Dance