January 21, 2003


Ms. Ann Somebody
XYZ, Inc.
1234 First Street
Anytown, TX 70000

Dear Ms. Somebody,

I write as a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering to ask for your financial support. In years past, companies like yours have given generously to TAME with tremendous positive impact, allowing us to reach pre-college students across Texas and introduce them to academics and careers in engineering. Through competitions, SAT workshops, designing and building activities, trips to see professional engineers at work, and college visits, students begin to understand the value and the importance of engineering in our state, our nation, and our world. Since our inception, TAME has reached thousands upon thousands of Texas youngsters and seen substantial increases in the number of students who enter college in engineering and science fields—and a rise in the percentage of female and minority professional engineers. But despite great progress over the past quarter century, much work remains.

Our situation is critical. As an independent 501(c)(3), TAME raises all its operating and program expenses. Over the last few years, circumstances—among them high tech downsizing and the economic impact for many non-profits, including ours, that followed the tragic events of September 11, 2001—led to reductions in giving to TAME. We hesitated to reduce programs, so badly needed in our state. But without a broad and solid donation base, we can’t serve the students who so need our programs. We cannot assist the many local alliances with the wonderful activities their volunteers work so hard to provide. And we cannot plan future projects designed to access youngsters who live far from a local alliance.

We have embarked on a series of cost-cutting measures, hired a new executive director, and formulated a plan—professionally endorsed—that will have TAME running at full strength again in two years. But we cannot do it alone. TAME needs your financial assistance, and we need it now. We’re asking you to give, in the next 60 days, at a level with which you’re comfortable. Please look at the enclosed contribution form and thoughtfully consider the worth of a diverse, highly educated work force in 5, 10, or 15 years. They may be children now, but they will soon be the backbone of our economy.

Thank you for your dedication to the principles of TAME—increasing the numbers of women and underrepresented minorities who are prepared to pursue engineering and technology-based professions—and thank you in advance for your generosity.

Sincerely,


Your name here

Our TAME Contribution: Investing Today—for Tomorrow!

Contributions in this campaign at each level will be gratefully acknowledged on our website, www.tame.org. Thank you for your support of TAME!

We support TAME’s programs at the following level:

_____ Friends of TAME: Up to $500

_____ Silver Sponsors: $501-$1000

_____ Gold Grantors: $1001-$5000

_____ Platinum Presenters: $5001-$10,000

_____ Diamond Donors: Over $10,000

Please make your checks payable to TAME, Inc. and send them to:

TAME, Inc.

The University of Texas at Austin
R9200
10100 Burnet Road
Building 16, Room 10
Austin, TX 78758

(512) 471-6100

FAX 471-6797

We remain most grateful for your support.