November 30, 2008
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As we approach the end of a challenging and volatile year, it’s only natural to pause and take stock of our work and our mission. With pride, we can assure you that despite global economic uncertainty, your investment in MinneapolisNEXT has consistently risen in value. We’ve stayed a steady course and focused on tomorrow’s best hope: determined, talented young people with the drive to succeed. Those we identify and nurture are hindered only by economic disadvantage, and your contribution to their education and growth has appreciated significantly in the past year…and is appreciated, now more than ever.
Focus is the key. Our signature scholarship program focuses on the NEXT generation of leaders…and their focus helps them to thrive despite financial hardship. As we saw at the Beijing Olympics this past summer, singularity of focus breeds the self-discipline needed to free each individual to do his or her best…to be the best. The global competition brought to mind the talented young men and women advanced forward byMinneapolisNEXT. The achievements of these hard-working scholars, like their Olympic counterparts, shows that when young people have the support they need, they are freed to focus on success.
In 2008, we funded 40 scholarships at four high schools, and helped almost 100 kids participate in extracurricular programs. As we continue our work with the same singular focus in 2009, we hope that we can count on your continued support. It is more difficult than ever to keep pace with the growing need in our community, but our lean organizational structure leaves us well-positioned to do so. As you may know, all of our administrative and operating costs are paid by our Board of Directors, so 100 percent of your contribution goes directly to programs benefiting young people who, with your help, can triumph over economic adversity and fulfill the potential for greatness that lives within each of us.
We wish you the best this holiday season,
Rexford Holland
President, MinneapolisNEXT