Dear Friends,

This year marks our 15th Golf Outing and Dinner Dance and also the point at which we expect to eclipse $700,000.00 for money raised on behalf of the medically fragile technology dependent children of Southern New Jersey. As many of you know, this organization and particularly the children and families who benefit from your generosity, are near and dear to my heart as well as yours.

The last year was filled with some challenges related to time and the need for additional support. Unfortunately, our fundraising efforts are the bearers of this truth. The 2004 Golf Outing proceeds exceeded $60,000.00 and together, the Buffalo Bowl and Bids Fore Kids raised an additional $15,000.00+.  The truth of the matter is it was still just not enough Although we made every effort to improve upon
the previous year's numbers, the fact is that we did not. As requests continue to increase and community programs become more accessible, we need to lead the way and support the needs of these very special children … and for that we need more community support and funding.

This year we have added two new pages to our website. First, the “Community Fundraisers” page will highlight community groups who have made the “Trust Fund” a recipient of monies that were raised by a neighborhood or group fundraising project. The second new webpage, “How Can I Help?” is self explanatory … this section allows individuals to provide support via donations, volunteering, and fundraising in their communities.

This past year I was fortunate enough to visit with some of the kids at the annual NJ WAVE program. It was at that time that I had the opportunity to meet and talk with two young ladies who were participating in WAVE (for the first time). They were having a great time out on the fishing pier in Ocean City. As I was talking to these kids, one of the volunteers leaned over to me and mentioned that this was the first time that the girls had seen and played in the ocean … I was truly taken back. I began to realize how much of our everyday lives and experiences we take for granted. As I looked at them it struck me right between the eyes that these kids may have disabilities, but they were able to obtain something that we should all strive for. They were truly living in and loving the moment. My point is, in leading this
organization, what has always been and continues to be the force that drives me and our team, is that single moment when, thanks to our fundraising efforts, we help a child obtain either a needed piece of equipment, a developmental milestone, or simply a smile. It is in that moment that we realize that we truly can (and do) make a difference in not only someone's day, but possibly their lives.

As I close, a big thanks for all of your support over the years! If anyone out there has any ideas for fundraisers in your communities, large or small, we are here to support you in any way that we can - Just e-mail or give us a call!

Sincerely,

Mike Rosiak
Executive Director
NJPPCTF, Inc.