| Message From Mike Mitchell |
Letter from the Founder …  I have considered myself a grassroots philanthropist since serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, West Africa 20 years ago. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm and inspiration alone were not enough to make my dream a reality. Over the last five years with the help of friends who believed in my vision and generosity of many donors, Project Play has become a reality. It is with great pleasure and excitement that I contact you to share Project Play’s recent successes and ask for your support in our simple and powerful cause. Project Play is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children through the sport of soccer. We deliver soccer balls to impoverished nations of Africa with the goal promoting healthy, fulfilling lives for children. I know a soccer ball can have an impact in children’s lives. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and the soccer ball is a fundamental tool to mobilize children, encourage healthy living and bring hope to young people with few opportunities in their lives. I have seen the soccer ball inspire leadership, team work and confidence and be a tool to motivate children to attend school. Phase I of Project Play was implemented in February 2008 when a small entourage landed in Niamey, Niger. The Project Play entourage delivered over 2000 balls to communities and rural villages throughout Niger. We were fortunate to experience first-hand the joy and happiness a soccer ball can bring to children and their communities. Returning from Africa with renewed enthusiasm and proof that the simplicity of a soccer ball can change lives, Project Play stepped up plans to expand efforts to other African nations and to implement programs to replenish balls to schools, organizations and villages already visited. We plan to partner with other non-profits to further our cause and are actively pursuing funding through donations and grants. With the help of a dedicated board, I see our vision growing. This year we plan to deliver 4000 balls to Togo, West Africa and in 2010 our goal is to deliver 10,000 balls to South Africa in conjunction with the World Cup. If Project Play meets these goals, I am confident that we will touch the lives of over 300,000 children in three years. My request to you is simple … • Visit our new website www.projectplayafrica.org to learn more about Project Play • Pass this message on. A simple email can inspire one voice to a thousand. • Make a donation. A $10 donation enables over 20 children to play soccer everyday. Project Play is committed to continue our mission in Africa … one ball, one child, one village, one country at a time. Mike Mitchell, Founder and President |