Exciting Times!

We have some exciting news to share with you. We are very close to achieving our goal of a four court platform tennis facility. Thanks to the efforts of many on this list, the Glen Ellyn Park District (GEPD) will acquire two new platform tennis courts and begin construction on a new warming/viewing hut this year with your help. This building will also be used by the Safety Village in the summer months and will be positioned between the four courts. Let me explain how we got here:

Some of you on this list were involved in Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis from it’s infancy in 2005 and some of you may be just getting involved this year. We will all benefit from this. In January ’09 a group of enthusiasts from 2005 volunteered to form the Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis Club (GEPTC). It’s purpose to promote this sport in Glen Ellyn; to work in conjunction with the GEPD; to develop Men’s, Women’s, and Junior Programs; and to raise funds through donations, dues and league fees to be used for local tournaments and to cover a portion of the costs of a new, permanent warming/viewing hut and at least 2 additional courts. Platform tennis is a social, family, and community activity that requires this type of facility. The warming/viewing hut will be multipurpose and be used by the Safety Village in the summer months.

Scope of Project:

2 NEW Premier Platform Tennis courts - $116,000 installed. (A special one-time offer due to Chicago hosting the APTA National 2010-2011 Tournament saving us $25,000)

Platform Tennis/Safety Village warming/viewing hut – approximately $200,000

Fundraising:

Our immediate goal is $50,000 and will be matched 2 for 1 by various charitable sources up to $100,000.

The GEPD will contribute $50,000 that is included in the 2010 budget.

The GEPTC will shall secure a (3) year commercial loan of up to $150,000 to cover the remaining balance of the project. The GEPD will pay the principal balance due at the end of the (3) year load period

We are asking for an immediate pledge in the form of a check made payable to the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation and sent to Scott Park at 693 N. Park Blvd. This is a 501(c)(3) tax deductable contribution registered with the IRS and the State of Illinois. This check will NOT be cashed until the full $50,000 is raised and the agreement with the GEPD is finalized by a formal vote. If we fall short of our efforts or the GEPD Board has a sudden change of heart, then all monies shall be returned.

Contribution Levels *:

SILVER: $100 - $499

GOLD: $500 - $1499

PLATINUM: $1500 +

*All donors shall be recognized with their names on a plaque to be mounted proudly inside the hut. If you wish your contribution to be in the honor or memory of someone, or simply to remain anonymous, please let us know.

This is URGENT as we would like to report our successful efforts to the GEPD Board on September 21 so we can proceed to order 2 courts to be installed this year and begin work on the foundation for the warming/viewing hut.

Current Pledges to date:

Chuck/Susan Smith – Platinum

Patrick/Camey Walker - Platinum

Scott/Alison Park - Platinum

Ryan/Shawn Snyder - Platinum

GEPTC Board

Chuck Smith - President

Marty Engel - Vice President

Scott Park - Treasurer

Scott Power – Secretary - Legal Counsel

Patrick Walker - Program Development

We will be sending information separately about nominations for new GEPTC Board members this fall.

We could use some fresh ideas, passion, and energy, not to mention legal and accounting advice.

If you are interested let us know.

If there are specific reasons why you cannot support this effort other than financial please let us know.

As your Board...Thank you.