HOW YOU CAN HELP !

For more than a decade the River Rats have been able to serve the community on an increasing scale. The group has relied upon the generous contributions and support of a few faithful individuals and local small businesses to procure the bare necessities in regard to services, supplies and expenses to conduct its activities.

Members have had to beg, borrow and rent to meet various needs.

This factor presents a year round struggle for the organization. In order to prepare for an event, the members have to start soliciting needed items and services immediately following the previous event. A perpetual fund raising effort of raffles, auctions and “passing the hat” places an undue burden on the active members and faithful supporters. Further, these constant needs limit the effectiveness of many worthwhile endeavors.

The following are just a few examples of the ongoing needs:

*Folding chairs are needed for various functions throughout the year. Borrowing and/or renting tables and chairs results in a reduction of funds, time and/or labor needed in other areas of an operation.

*A large tent/canopy is required to conduct the Christmas charity auction and other events during the year. For years, tents have been borrowed and rented, oftentimes inadequate in size or shape.

*Prizes, prize money and other incentives contribute directly to the level of participation and ultimately the outcome of the charity golf tournaments and other fundraisers.

*Basic office supplies such as copy/computer paper, printer toner, markers & pens, staplers & staples, paper cutter, hole puncher, cellophane, masking & duct tape are needed in preparation for and administration of almost every project.

The need for corporate sponsorship and support is desperate and sincere. The support of even a few major corporations that care about the needs of their customers, their community and the citizens of Davidson County and the state of North Carolina would allow for more efficient and more effective operations and, therefore, a more successful outreach by the River Rats throughout the year.

Please consider supporting the High Rock Lake River Rats, Inc. in your corporate budget for the upcoming year. Thank you for your time and interest. Please contact President Chip Meyer, P.O. Box 567, Southmont, NC 27351-0567; Phone 336-859-9822.