Hey guys!
I have something really exciting to share with you. When I first moved home at the end of December, my sister asked me if we could start exercising together and make a commitment to be healthier in 2006. I was more than happy to oblige as it meant that I got to spend more time with her. A few weeks later we heard about something that will change the next month and a half of our lives.
Cherish Our Children International is a great non-profit organization that fights for children’s rights here in the United States and abroad. Check out their website at http://www.cherishourchildren.org. Their next big fundraising event is called My First Triathlon. It is a benefit triathlon that is specifically for people who have never competed in a triathlon before. It consists of a ¼ mile swim, 12 mile bike ride and a 3 mile walk/run. It is going to take place on April 1st in Galveston. Each triathlete (that is something I never thought I would call myself) is asked to set a goal of raising $1000 for Cherish Our Children while training for the big event. After some consideration (and a little bit of coercion from friends) my sister and I have made a commitment to join the triathlon team.
This is why I need your help. If you are getting this letter it means that in one way or another you have been a huge support to me in my life and I need you once again. While Jennette and I are getting up at 5:30am every morning to go to the gym and train, would you consider making a donation to help us raise our combined goal of $2000? Any amount of money would be a big help in meeting our goal. You can write us a check, give us cash, or even go online to donate money.
For online donations, go to http://www.justgive.org/giving/donate.jsp?charityId=441. (Cut and paste the link if it doesn’t work). In the designated donation box, just write “My First Tri- Emily Everett”. After you donate online, please email me with your name, address and contribution amount so that I can follow up and make sure it is credited to my account. If you don't want to donate online, you can email me for my mailing address and mail me a check made out to "Cherish Our Children International."
Even if you can’t donate any money, any support or encouragement in the next month would be greatly appreciated, especially if you hear me complaining about not wanting to go to the gym. I would even love for you to come to Galveston on April 1st and cheer us on as we cross the finish line. Thank you so much for all your love and support. I look forward to hearing from all of you soon. As for me, I need to go to bed. I only have a few precious hours of sleep before I start training again!
Lots of Love, Emily | 
