Dear Classmate:

The results are in and the gift option selected by The Select Few is the Unrestricted Bicentennial Gift. This gift will support the most critical needs under the Bicentennial Campaign. The Select Few is the only Class to choose a gift such as this and the Superintendent is excited that we are leading the way and setting an example for other classes to follow. The Class Leaders are working with the USMA Museum Historical Memorialization Committee in an attempt to establish a Class of 1982 "Duty Corner", which will be located in the vicinity of the barracks near the MacArthur statue. This way, you and your families will be able to see something tangible as a tribute to your generosity. Much thanks to our Gift Selection Chair, John Delaney, for all his hard work in pulling this together.

As you are aware, the funds we raise will be used for the most deserving projects and programs of benefit to the Military Academy and the Corps of Cadets for which taxpayer support is inappropriate and will serve to maintain the "margin of excellence" in the West Point experience.

Now for the fun part- money. Based on the extensive review conducted by the many consultants, actuaries and our Class Leadership Team, we have set the goal of raising $500,000. Your Class Leadership Team, which includes the Officers (led by Mr. President Les Knotts), John Delaney and myself, are leading the way and have already pledged $21,000. Everyone is encouraged to participate and pledge whatever your economic situation permits.

The Plan

As with any fundraising effort, we need a plan. In setting a goal for each Classmate to contribute, the Class Leadership Team felt it appropriate to establish three levels of giving. The Class Leadership Team has also made it a priority to recognize and reward all those that will participate in the fundraising drive in many different ways. We will be posting the results of the campaign on our Class Web Site and informing you on a quarterly basis on how we are doing via e-mail. We have identified Classmates in each company to assist in this effort and you may be hearing from them shortly. The following are the three clubs to which you can belong:

The Black Club - Total Pledge of $5,000 or more, which means a contribution of $250 per quarter over the next five years. For this you will receive a Class of 1982 watch and you and your significant other will be invited to a gala dinner event, sponsored by our class during the 20th reunion weekend.

The Gold Club - Total Pledge of $1,982, which means a contribution of $99.10 per quarter over the next five years. For this you will receive a Class of 1982 watch and the uncut videotape called "Les Knotts - The Early Years".

The Gray Club - Total Pledge of anything you can afford.

The Bicentennial Campaign For West Point Vs the Class of '82 Campaign

By now, many of you may have received a call from a representative of the Association of Graduates regarding the campaign. Although we tried to clarify that a donation to the Bicentennial Campaign could be directed to the Class of 1982 Fund, as one would expect this information did not make it to each of you. If you did pledge money to the campaign, and given the fact that your donation will be used in the same effort, make sure you specifically request that it be part of the Class of 1982 Fund in order to get credit under our fundraising drive. Otherwise we will have no way of knowing of your generous support. So it's up to you to contact the AOG at 800 BE A GRAD ext. 1655 or classgiving@aog.usma.edu to redirect your pledge.

Other Fundraising Efforts

We are also creating other ways in which we can raise money for our cause. One such effort is working with Lands End where you can purchase a polo shirt with our class crest. Mark Kimmey has done a terrific job in undertaking this effort. We will keep you posted on how to order this and other Class of '82 stuff.

Enclosed is a Class of 1982 Pledge Form to be filled out and returned to the Association of Graduates. We will also electronically post this message on our Web Site to make it easier for you technologically savvy classmates that can point and click. A reminder to all those who work for companies that match donations - please take advantage of this opportunity.

Once again, thank you for your support and we look forward to a successful 20th year reunion campaign. If you have any recommendations or comments please let me know at connolly_p@hotmail.com.

Philip Connolly
Fundraising Chair