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Dear Fellow Alumni,

In 2005, when we officially formed this association, we anticipated getting support from all the alumni of Green Island School. However, two years later I feel that our drive, passion, exuberance and commitment have been fading. The Board would like to implore and encourage all of us to get more involve and to participate more in the activities of the association.

As you know, in the past, GIHANA operated by borrowing money from our Board members to offset our operating expenses and to cover the cost of the banquets. We've had three (3) major reunions and on each occasion we had to borrow money. Unfortunately, of the three (reunion) only one was profitable. We continue to learn from our mistakes. All operating budgetary expenses will directly come from fundraising events and a sizable portion of all future fundraising events will immediately be earmarked for school projects. Currently, we have approximately $4,000 dollars which will help in funding the August 2008 fundraising reunion in Toronto, thus negating the need to borrow from Board Members. In addition, all monies donated to the association will go directly to the school. In August of 2007, the alumni donated approximately $500 to the association, and we sent it to the school to assist with their school feeding program.

A number of promises were made to the school in anticipation that the alumni would help but unfortunately that fell short. This was a tough learning experience; we simply cannot promise what we do not have, even as good as our intentions are. Nevertheless, forging ahead, there are several projects for 2008 that we can certainly help with and make a difference, some cost as little as US$ 20. I encourage you to start making an impact and to make your presence felt.

Soon 2007 will end and hence the start of a new year. Many of us graduated from Green Island more than thirty years ago and back then could not imagine thirty years into the future. Can you imagine GIHANA thirty years from now? What will our legacy be, how will we be remembered, and what state will we leave GIHANA for the others behind us? As you celebrate the holiday season of giving, please set something aside for our school and may one of your New Year's resolutions be: to be thankful for what we have and to reach out to others who are less fortunate than us. As we continue to grow and gain more experience on how to effectively run an association, we will be better able to meet our objectives.

Fellow alumni, we are an active link to the school and have proven to be an effective association (with limited resources) since our inception. Please, let us challenge and encourage each other and pledge to participate and donate to the association in whatever manner we can. The students of Green Island need it. I want to wish you and your family a happy holiday and a prosperous New Year.

Carlton Foster
President
786-285-8121