ATL has always been about opportunities - the opportunity to try something new, the opportunity for escape, camaraderie, or a few miles of peace, just to name a few. Otter and Tad happily organize this annual trip in order to give everyone the opportunity to get together, see some incredible places, and enjoy time on the road together. Smiles (and beer) are the only payment accepted for organizing ATL, and we want to keep it that way.
We are all so fortunate as to have the opportunity to do this. In that sense, we would like to again ask for voluntary donations to a charity of your choice. The amount of the donation does not matter, rather the idea of helping others is what's important.
If you do not regularly donate to charity, or if you would like suggestions, Otter and Tad have included links to their favorite charities below. We will never make charitable donations mandatory, but we do hope that everyone will take a moment to donate money to the charity of their choice.
Otter's Choice: The Conservation Fund, www.conservationfund.org
"The Conservation Fund forges partnerships to preserve our nation's outdoor heritage -- America's legacy of wildlife habitat, working landscapes and community open-space. Pioneering a unique brand of conservation driven by Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Environmental and Economic Balance, the Fund produces unsurpassed results." They accept online donations at https://secure.entango.com/donate/8ZWVVYXegXN
"The Conservation Fund forges partnerships to preserve our nation's outdoor heritage -- America's legacy of wildlife habitat, working landscapes and community open-space. Pioneering a unique brand of conservation driven by Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Environmental and Economic Balance, the Fund produces unsurpassed results."
They accept online donations at https://secure.entango.com/donate/8ZWVVYXegXN
Tad's Choice: The Special Olympics, www.specialolympics.org
"Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with mental retardation to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with mental retardation year-round training and competition in 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. " They also accept online donations at https://ssl.charityweb.net/specialolympics/
"Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with mental retardation to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with mental retardation year-round training and competition in 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. "
They also accept online donations at https://ssl.charityweb.net/specialolympics/
Group Donation Possibility:
Please also note that Tad will be coordinating a group donation. This donation will be made in memory of Jane Beard to a charity to be determined in the coming weeks. If you are interested in giving money for a group donation, when you are filling out the Sign Me Up form, please select this option for the last question on the form.
If this idea comes together, and if there is enough interest, details will be coordinated on the aroundthelakes@yahoogroups.com email list.
Thank you for your consideration- ATL Management