It’s been a crazy week, and it’s only Tuesday. With the announcement of Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers’ insolvencies, the financial markets have gone haywire. And now the threat of the international insurer A.I.G.’s demise may cause world markets to destablize.
It’s hard for people to consider giving money to charity in times like these, and even harder for organizations like the Fund to meet its funding goals, but we have a firm responsibility to American Indian students.
You see, the reality is that if times are uncertain for you, imagine what it must be like for American Indian students, 95% of which rely on funding for an education. For you, the choice between giving and not giving might be the choice between purchasing a wide-screen television or giving $1000 to the Fund. But that choice becomes life or death to a student.
A college scholarship is a lifeline to someone who can’t afford to go to college and can’t afford to leave a reservation, where employment can reach as much as 80%. I don’t say that lightly, because an education or new skill can open the door to a new job, feeding a family, and impacting many people. A gift to the American Indian College Fund is doubly beneficial, because even in crazy times, you can still take a tax deduction on your gift–saving you money, too.
We appreciate your past support to American Indian education, and I hope we at the Fund, our students, and our tribal colleges can count on your continued support.