VIA EMAIL AND FAX
Mr. George Weiss
c/o Ms. Rachel Flax
New York Regional Coordinator
SAY YES TO EDUCATION
320 Park Avenue, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10022

Wednesday, September 29, 2004

Dear Mr. Weiss:

I’ve always felt financially unlucky but today, today I won the lottery.

My name is Alicia Vasquez. My daughter, Isabella Suarez, is a kindergarten student at PS 182. I had no idea why I was sitting in the Apollo Theatre this morning but amidst the noise, excitement and confusion, I heard the best news from a tall friendly man standing on stage. This man who had earlier bumped me on the way in and commented on how nicely behaved the kids were, is a fallen angel. This man is you. To hear you tell hundreds of children, literally strangers, that you will pay their college education is one of the most unique and heart-warming gestures of humanitarianism. Humbly willing to share one's wealth to better the lives of inner-city children is truly miraculous. My heart filled with joyous hope this morning and I owe that feeling and this amazing blessing to you and the collaborators of the Say Yes Foundation.

Mr. Weiss, thank you. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity. I assure you that my daughter and I will do everything we can to become deserving candidates of this award.

Sincerely,
Alicia Vasquez