Help Theo travel to Australia and New Zealand this summer!!!!!!

Hello,

 

My name is Theodore "Theo" Rankin. 

 

This webpage was created to support my "Online Dollar Campaign" and "Letter Campaign"...to raise money during this last stretch of FUNDRAISING!  This webpage will also be used to give you updates on past and upcoming fundraisers. 

I am a 11th grader at Westlake High School and a student in the Automotive Program at Robert D. Stethem Educational Center in Charles County, MD.  I participate/d in the following school programs French and Modeling Club, Football Team; a member and a 8am Service Teacher Assistant with Youth Ministry at Evangel Cathedral Church; volunteer with the Southern Maryland's Special Olympics and the Charles County Teen Court Volunteer Program; and a member of the Kappa League Mentoring Program sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi Bowie/Mitchellville (MD) Alumni Chapter.  During 2009, I participated in Kamp Kappa (a six-day overnight camp) sponsored by local DMV area Kappa Alpha Psi Chapters.  During this camp, we went to Alexandria, VA and participated in a fictional "Hit and Run" Trial.  I served as 1 of 10 jurors.  I was inspired by the judge and realized I wanted to change the world through law by becoming a lawyer. 

 

Well it has always been my dream to visit a foreign country and experience other cultures first-hand.  I am honored to tell you that I have been selected as 1 of 43 students in Charles County to participate in People to People 2012 Student Ambassador National Program.  People to People (P2P) was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956.  He believed that if people from different cultures could come together in peace and friendship so eventually would our nations.  Their primary goal is to offer extraordinary, life-changing educational travel opportunities for students, educators, and professionals.  Their mission is to bridge cultural and political borders through education and exchange, making the world a better place for future generations.    

 

Being a part of this program allows me to travel for 17 days with other high school students to Australia and New Zealand; click here for actual travel plans 2012 Schedule of Activities.  My group will be led by experienced teachers to historical sites, famous landmarks, and unique cultural experiences.  It will be my first trip outside of the US; I am so excited to be:

·       Earning high school and college credit through the educational experiences; meeting government officials; visiting historical sites I've read about in my history books and Sydney Opera House; holding a Koala Bear, seeing the Great Barrier Reef, and rappelling down an extinct volcano in New Zealand's Southern Alps.

 

The Kamp Kappa and P2P opportunity has opened my eyes more to see the opportunities around me and realize what I need to do to achieve my goals.  My goals include becoming an International Business Lawyer and owning my own Intercultural Restaurant.  P2P's travel will give me first-hand experience in an international culture environment.

 

Here's how you can help:

This trip is NOT free and requires me (and mom) to pay for it.  The cost covers all meals, transportation (air and land), accommodations (hotel and home stay), and educational activities.  In an effort to raise money to offset cost, we are seeking involvement of our community, family, and friends by seeking sponsors willing to contribute towards my trip.  You may ask; how does this benefit you?  Well, it can count towards community involvement, publicity as a sponsor, etc.

 

Your participation is a critical element to me successfully reaching my goal of raising $4,000 of the $8,000 required for trip by May 2012.  Help this trip become a reality and help me shine as a positive young man in society.  If everyone contributes a little, the reward would be huge. 

 

I am also honored to tell you that in February, I won one of People to People's Essay Contest entitled "Our Military Family Essay Contest".  This contest granted me a $500 credit towards the cost of my trip!!

 

When I return, I plan to share experience through pictures on DVD, photo journal, and my online "GoFundMe" webpage.  Sponsors you never know:you may be able to use some pictures for your next advertisement or calendar.

 

If you are able to make a donation (ALL ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED), you have two convenient options for donation:

Option 1:

Visit fundraiser page: www.GoFundMe.com/jws94

 

Option 2 (mail to):

Theodore Rankin

PO BOX 846

Waldorf MD, 20604

Include information on Memo line: Theodore Rankin, ID #10145521

I will send you a confirmation receipt of your donation.

  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my mom, Truline Rodgers or me at [phone redacted] (cell) and/or email: [email redacted].  Don't forget to check back for updates, to where we are in reaching fundraising goal.

  

Sincerely,

Theo

Theo Rankin