To Whom It May
Concern:
My name is Daryl
Richardson, CEO and Founder of The Me Nobody Knows(TMNK),
Performing Arts Enrichment and Literacy Program, a 501 C 3 CBO in
Jamaica Queens, New York.
Our organization
is having our 1st gala fund raiser on June 22,
2007 at the Stanley Kaplan Penthouse Room in Lincoln Center. We
are seeking Sponsors and supporters to make this event a successful
and memorable one. The theme of the program will be “Fire
Awareness and Prevention”. LL Cool Jay will be making an
appearance and Anchor Cheryl Wills from NY 1 will be our
Mistress of Ceremonies and 98.7 Kiss FM Radio is our media
partner. This event will consist of a video presentation on fire
safety and prevention and the NYC Fire Department will be on hand to
receive a special presentation from TMNK.
In addition we will have performances in song, dance and poetry by
children whom have participated in TMNK
program as well as young actors from Abrams Artist. We will
culminate the event with a post reception.
The Purpose and
goal of this event is not only to educate children from the ages of
5-18 and adults alike to the dangers that cause fires, but to also
raise money for the purchase of a building for TMNK
to house its unique program and also be a place of Refuge for Fire
victims and their families. Our Ultimate goal is to become a
multicultural Place of Refuge. Being a victim to a fire and loosing
a family member, I know first hand how to address the immediate
needs as well as the long term ones for families who have survived a
fire. Our Organization desires to supply these much needed services
in every borough and more. The services offered will be our unique
Performing Arts and literacy program for after school hours, a
summer camp that targets the arts through literacy, a multiplicity
of classes for adults and children as well as a year round facility
for families who have suffered the devastation of a fire. In
addition financial assistance will be available, along with a
clothing drive, home placement, age appropriate counseling (because
children grieve differently when faced with a tragedy such as this),
legal advice in regard to insurance companies, private adjusters and
to offer solace during a very trying time. We will also make a
financial donation to the NYCFD for all of their hard work,
commitment, sacrifice and loyalty to our city. An event of this
nature needs to happen in every borough simultaneously to raise
money for those designated sites. In addition our goal is to also
establish a National Fire Awareness & Prevention Day.
My personal story and
reason for Advocacy on this subject matter is due to a fire in my
home on June 12, 2006. I was miraculously awakened at 4:30 in the
morning to escape the raging flames along with my 10 year old
daughter Trinity. Unfortunately, my older brother Donald did not
make it out due to his attempt to put the fire out which was caused
by a burning candle. There have been two other fires in my community
as well as the recent fires that have made headline news. If you are
not able to attend I hope you can make a contribution to this worth
while cause.
