November 30, 2002
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Just as the Twin Cities is proud to have fostered many great leaders, thinkers, athletes and artists—including celebrated playwright August Wilson, whose career was launched from our own Penumbra Theatre — MinneapolisNEXT takes great pride in meeting the needs of many young achievers. Our efforts help them fulfill their potential, finding the strong, proud voices they need to “sing” their own songs.
Looking back on our accomplishments this past year, I am filled with that pride . . . and you should be, too. In 2002, NEXT invested over $60,000 in our local community, impacting approximately 100 youth in the Twin Cities. Some highlights I’d like to share:
- Our partnership with the Hollywood School of Dance in North Minneapolis provided tuition for more than 30 talented young women. The school serves over 300 aspiring dancers. We are their largest single donor.
- Our summer camp program, now in its sixth year, allowed 15 teens to attend the Luther College Basketball Camp in Iowa, a great program that fosters discipline and team-building in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Last December, local NBC affiliate KARE-11 featured the work of NEXT and the accomplishments of scholarship recipient Romone Penny. As you contemplate your contribution, please feel free to call me to request a video copy of that news segment.
- Our support of enriching activities for underprivileged young people includes the Minnesota Magic AAU Basketball Program for the third consecutive season. More than 30 young men were afforded the chance to participate in this sizable, grassroots organization this year, thanks to NEXT contributors.
- The crown jewel of our efforts is the MinneapolisNEXT Scholarship Program. In the 2002-2003 academic year, we were able to approve 25 scholarships at local private schools for students who would otherwise have limited access to college preparatory coursework. Our efforts mean these children won’t miss out on the high-quality education they deserve while the problems facing urban public schools are resolved. These achievers were selected from a growing number of deserving applicants who are seeking aid from our organization. We face our hardest challenge in having to deny scholarships to talented, hard-working students due to our funding limitations. Knowing we are one of the few local resources to assist the underprivileged in this way makes those decisions even more difficult. Your generous donation means fewer children will have to be turned away.
I understand the negative economic impact of the past year. But I have seen firsthand that the impact has been even greater on the low end of the socio-economic spectrum. The need in the community served by NEXT is greater than ever. Interestingly, the hallmarks of our business model — efficiency and an extremely low overhead/expense ratio — have proven prescient in these turbulent times. Unlike many non-profits burdened by unwieldy fixed overhead costs, NEXT funnels more than 93% of contributions directly to people in need.
This is a beautiful program. And it is a marvelous feeling to see the pride and self-esteem our belief in these children generates. The combined support of family, schools and NEXT is having a powerful impact on our community, and the lives of its future leaders, in ways we can only imagine.
I urge you to join me in building our community . . . one dream at a time. Please take a moment to complete the enclosed card and send a donation today.
Very truly yours,
Rexford Holland
President, Minneapolis NEXT