The Porch Swing Writing School
33 Seagull Lane
Atlanta, GA 30303

July 6, 2003

Mr. Hubert Gilmore
Melvin's Office Supply
2 Atlantic Place
Atlanta, GA 30303

Dear Hubert,

When I opened the door to Brandon's second-grade classroom, he was standing there waiting for me with a grin, his notebook tucked under his arm.  He knew he didn't have to bring the notebook to our end of the year party, but the tutoring sessions we'd had in creative writing had helped him feel believed in.  He had been so happy about learning to write stories about his daily adventures.  During our last class, he said to me shyly, “You're my mentor!” His pride was proof that this newfound writing experience had made life a little more special and his awareness of his place in it a little keener.

As Brandon's ‘mentor’ in an elementary school last year where I was tutoring reading and writing, I was thrilled by his response to our sessions.  He felt empowered by discovering that practicing his writing and working with a teacher who believed in him could help him believe in himself.  It has been my goal for disadvantaged kids who have had few magical learning experiences: to help them learn new skills and how much they are capable of achieving so that they can gain the confidence to keep on dreaming and realizing bigger goals.

Now it is my dream to make Brandon's experience a reality for more students in an after school creative writing program.  Dreams may be whimsical but they are also intentional ‘stepping stones’ to promise, commitment and hope, to a life in which each student can become his own teacher and booster.  The Porch Swing Writing School has become my vehicle for teaching children the spontaneity and release of the creative process, all while practicing their writing.  All children deserve to feel ownership, pride and joy not only in academics, but also in the spare time they learn to create for themselves.  It is there that they can be renewed and motivated.

Would you be able to consider making a gift to the Porch Swing Writing School in the $150 range?  The students need paper and pencils to create their stories in that porch swing - while learning the ropes to creating new lives - and your support would help us provide that for them.

Thank you for your time and consideration, Hubert.  I will give you a call and look forward to speaking with you very soon.

Sincerely,