Dear Friends:

Subject:  President’s Ride—Pedal for Pooches

My name is Jim Taylor.  I am Anna C. Briggs’ grandson and president of The National Humane Education Society (NHES), which operates The Briggs Animal Adoption Center (BAAC).  I am addressing you today with the hope that I might gain your further support for our animal companions.

Last year, on April 14, 2007, I placed my nearly 50-year-old body onto the seat of my mountain bike and began riding in the BAAC’s 6^th Annual Pedal for Pooches bike ride to help raise funds to care for the dogs and cats at the BAAC.  In doing so, I had sought pledges of financial support from humane-minded people just like you.  Much to my surprise, my ride of 21 miles generated over $8,000 of financial support for the animals.  Never could I have imagined such a successful outcome—a true outpouring of kindness from 50 wonderful supporters.

This year, on April 12, 2008, I have pledged to ride again in the BAAC’s 7^th Annual Pedal for Pooches to help the animals.  But this year I have agreed to ride a longer course of 30 miles and am expanding my search for financial support to include long-term NHES supporters just like you.

In his orations about persuasion, Aristotle suggested “using all available means of persuasion” to move people to action. So, although I am certainly not looking for any sympathy, I am hoping that the following summary of my physical condition might also help move you to act to support me so that we—together—can raise more money and help even more animals in need:

I have had two surgeries on my left leg, resulting in the amputation of my left leg above the knee.  On my remaining right leg, I have had one surgery involving my thigh and two surgeries on my knee, which will need an additional surgery in the future.

The reality is that this bike ride will be physically difficult for me—because I only pedal with one leg.  But my physical difficulty pales in comparison to the painful suffering that thousands upon thousands of homeless cats and dogs experience on a daily basis in our country.  Together, however, we can alleviate some of this suffering for some of these animals.

Will you please help me alleviate some of this animal suffering?

Two very kind women have already pledged to help by matching the first $3,000 that I am able to obtain in pledge support contributions.  So, on behalf of the animals, with true humility, I must ask that you help me and my grandmother, Mrs. Briggs, to help more animals by making a financial pledge before April 11, 2008.  In response, I pledge to you that I will do my part by pedaling 30 miles for the pooches—and kitties too!

For the Animals, I thank you!

Jim Taylor

President

To make a pledge for the “President’s Ride”

Credit card donations can be made by calling (304)725-0506, or online under the "Bread & Butter" (General) category (please enter “President’s Ride” in the comment box).

Check donations should be made payable to:

National Humane Education Society (NHES)

P.O. Box 340

Charles Town, WV 25414

Please include a note with the check indicating the donation is for the "President's Ride."