Help Junior Taylor Bring Kids to UCLA

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

Former UCLA Wide Receiver Junior Taylor (8), a close friend of mine, is doing great things as the Athletic Director of a foundation known as Champion Schools in Phoenix, Arizona:

Photo Credit: The Daily Breeze

He would like to ask Bruin fans to help his kids board a bus to the UCLA-Oregon State game in conjunction with the "I'm Going to College" program. Most of these kids are from economically disadvantaged  homes and have never been to a college football game. He told me that he wants to show them that it's possible to attend the best college in the country like he did.

You may contact him with questions and/or your donations at:

jtaylor@championschools.org

or mail a check made out to "Fit Kids Inc."  (which is a non-profit organization so your donation is tax deductable)  

1313 N. 2nd Street
Phoenix, Az

Thank you and GO BRUINS!!!

 Update -  9/9/08: Junior sent me a letter that the kids are using so can get a more detailed idea of this program, which you can read after the jump.

Here is the letter:

I am a student at Champion Schools, Summit Elementary in Phoenix, AZ. I currently am a member of the Flag Football Team for the 2008-09 School Year. My team and I will be participating in "I’m Going to College" on November 7th until the 9th. The objective of this program is designed to place young students into a collegiate atmosphere that stresses the excellence of both education and athletics. In hosting us, UCLA’s goal is to build positive relationships with young people in their own community and to motivate them to continue achieving goals in both school and life.  The 3-day experience includes Pre-Game Activities, tickets to UCLA vs. Oregon State, a campus tour and we will attend a College Fair.

I am currently seeking financial sponsors to help me with expenses, and hope I can count on your support. In case you haven’t heard of Champion Schools let me give you a bit of background information. First and foremost our motto is "Work Hard. Play Hard". Here at Summit Elementary we believe that the discipline gained in sports activities supports academic performance and is transformative in young people. It is a high-standards school, providing the highest level of professional athletic training combined with a rigorous academic program.

The amount for our trip is $300 per student which includes all transportation, accommodations, meals and educational activities. I am asking contributors to each donate any amount to help me reach my goal. Is it possible for you to assist me by making a contribution? Any amount of contribution would be appreciated. I will plan to give a speech and share my journal, photographs, and experiences with contributors upon my return.

My program payment is due October 6th. I have enclosed a contribution form for your payment reference and a Tax Credit form so that you can receive a Tax Credit in the amount you donated. Please feel free to contact me at [phone number] if you need more information. Your generous contribution would enable me to share in this wonderful opportunity. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.

I have the contribution form this letter describes (which allows credit card payment as well) so if anyone needs this, just email me at uclafan11@yahoo.com and I will forward to you.