September 26, 2014

Dear Friend:

As an avid long distance runner, and educator working for the William S Hart Union High School District in the Santa Clarita Valley, I feel fortunate to have helped train thousands of at-risk youth to take on the seemingly insurmountable challenge of completing a 20 week training regiment in order to participate in the 26.2 mile Los Angeles Marathon.

Endorsed locally by the Santa Clarita Track Club (SCTC), an organization with years of proven performance in competitive track and field, our non profit organization, Students Off And Running Santa Clarita (SOAR-SC) began offering structured, fully supported marathon training to local youth at-risk in September of 2007. This statistically underserved population, particularly those of social and economic disadvantage, is at extreme risk for childhood obesity, high school dropout, gang violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and long term unemployment.

How Can You Help?

Since SOAR strives to offer this unique opportunity at no cost to student participants or their families:

• Your tax deductible contribution to SCTC-SOAR will help cover equipment costs, training supplies, running shoes, registration fees, transportation, insurance and physical screenings for our students.

• Sponsor a Student per training mile! Each student participant can expect to log more than 300 training miles during a typical marathon training season. As a SOAR supporter, you will have access to weekly training updates as your student prepares for the 26.2 mile Los Angeles Marathon XXIV in March of 2011!

As with any endeavor for personal achievement, this ambitious pursuit cannot hope to succeed without support! On behalf of the entire SOAR-SC 2011 training team, we thank you in advance for your time and consideration, and wish you continued success.

Yours for the long run,

Kevin J. Sarkissian
Head Coach / Team Coordinator
Students Off And Running
www.soar-sc.org