March 2003

Dear Friends:

What a difference a year makes! Last year at this time, New Yorkers were preparing for drought; this year record snowfalls have replenished the reservoirs. Last year, the world was still reeling from the horrors of 9/11. Today, as the war on terrorism continues, millions around the world - and tens of thousands just a few miles from Ground Zero - march in protest. Last year, I had left a lucrative law practice to work full-time on 9/11 relief. Today, Diana, Judah, and I are embarking on the most extraordinary professional journey of our lives. It is that journey that inspires this letter and its invitation to you to join us for the ride.

In truth, the road ahead is not completely foreign. We discovered it seven years ago when the vision for Generation Xcel was birthed in our hearts. We responded to a calling, along with 12 other young people, and in the years since then, have watched Xcel transform from the little we gave into an organization that operates two youth centers and a church-based youth group; serves hundreds of "at risk" kids through after school and summer camp programs; and touches thousands more through extensive outreach activities. We have been privileged to groom scores of youth leaders and responsible young adults; open a theater in the heart of the Village; host volunteers from around the nation and world; collaborate on historic city-wide initiatives; send hundreds of children to sleep-away camps and retreats; employ dozens of neighborhood young people; and invest in a retreat center upstate. We fought the good fight when the City tried wrongfully to close down our first center, and won! Built by young people, for young people, Xcel has preserved this core even as we have moved from strictly volunteers to paid staff.

What makes the upcoming journey so exciting is the opportunity to return to Generation Xcel as its first full-time executive director. In all that has transpired since 1996, Xcel has never benefited from any full-time executive leadership, as I have been preoccupied professionally with law school, two years of law practice, and post-9/11 work, and personally with a young marriage and first child. While I expect to continue wearing many hats, as executive director I will focus on fund and board development, program refinements, and organizational expansion, including opening additional Xcel centers with partnering agencies throughout the City and nationally.

Although this is an aggressive undertaking, it is a calling for which Diana and I feel great passion and excitement. Our heart is to see Xcel and its related initiatives transform thousands of young people, providing hope and viable alternatives to the streets while challenging the culture in relevant ways. We cannot do this alone, which is why we are asking for your prayerful and financial support as we begin the journey. Within the next week, please indicate your involvement by returning the enclosed response form. All contributions are tax deductible and should be made payable to Generation Xcel.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon to discuss your involvement with us. Feel free to call or visit us anytime!

In Service,

Jeremy Del Rio, Esq.