Editor,

As National Volunteer Week approaches, I would like to give my deepest thanks to our dedicated Fresh Air Fund hosts, volunteers, and supporters in the Lakes Region. They truly embody the meaning of the 2007 National Volunteer Week theme, “Inspire By Example.”

Year after year, our volunteers demonstrate their commitment to New York City children by continuing the Fresh Air tradition in the community.

Our caring Fresh Air host families open their homes and share the everyday joys of summertime with their Fresh Air guests. Our local volunteer leaders – many of whom are also hosts – give by serving on our local Friendly Town Committee, planning summer activities, raising funds for special events, publicizing the program and interviewing prospective host families. I would also like to thank all individuals and businesses which have generously given their time and resources to make the Friendly Town program throughout this area a great success each summer.

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children since 1877. For more information on how you can help to continue this wonderful tradition of volunteering, please call Lisa Clement at (207) 878-1998 or The Fresh Air Fund at 800-367-0003.

Sincerely,

Amanda Cortese

Fresh Air Fund