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Countdown to Liftoff!

Donate Now for the MAARS Landing 2

January 15, 2009

Dear Family, Friends, Members, and Supporters :

The past few weeks have demonstrated to all of us just how special all of you are — and how fortunate MAARS is to have such an active group of supporters!

We have spoken with some of you personally and we know that times are really tough. A lot of you may be out of work; some of you may have been forced to move into less expensive housing; your retirement nest egg may be shrinking before your eyes; you may have had to cut back on non-essential purchases or leisure activities; you may have even chosen not to open your portfolio statements to avoid the stress...and still the costs of goods and services keep going up.

Despite these very tangible hardships and concerns, many of you have still reached into your wallets and donated whatever you could, making your contribution all that more meaningful and heartfelt. On behalf of the MAARS Board of Directors, Volunteer Staff, and Flock, I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who have helped MAARS purchase a new facility, The MAARS Landing 2.

We will be closing on the new building next week and are extremely excited about this new chapter in MAARS history! We have many plans for the facility, as well as plans for expanded or new MAARS programs. While we are close to our fundraising goal, we are not there yet. The funds we still need are not just for our down payment and closing costs, but also for:

	increased insurance coverage and premiums,
	the purchase of major appliances and other necessities,
	permits and filings with the City of St. Paul,
	new utility services (electric, water, phone, internet, etc.),
	preparing the building so it is ready and safe for the birds to move in,
	necessary replacement of flooring in at least two main rooms,
	minor construction of dividing walls,
	labor and materials for a licensed plumber, electrician, and contractor to complete move-in work.

Any amount that you are able to give brings us a few dollars closer to making the new facility a reality! You can also help MAARS by donating items needed for the new facility or donating your time on the big moving dates, January 23–25.

We are asking those of you who have already generously donated to invest a few more dollars in the future of MAARS. Many supporters who truly want to donate but are simply unable to do so at this time will be relieved to know that those of you who can give more, indeed will.

To those of you who have not yet donated, I hope that you will reconsider and make a gift to MAARS so that the birds have a wonderful new home in the new year! Please remember that time is of the essence! The closing date on the new building is January 20, 2009, and our relocation will be final as of January 31, 2009!

You may make a quick, efficient, and secure donation online, or mail a check made out to MAARS to: MAARS, Attn: Moving Fund, 1360 University Ave W #347, St. Paul, MN 55104. To meet our deadline, checks should be mailed by Friday, January 16, 2009.

Gratefully,

Eileen McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer

Our goal is to raise another $5,000 toward basic moving costs by January 19, 2009, and another $5,000 toward building improvements by February 14, 2009. We need your help!

Every dollar you give brings us one dollar closer to our goal. Any donation $25 and up also qualifies you for MAARS membership!

You can donate online by submitting your donation amount in the box to the right, or you can mail your check, made out to MAARS, to: MAARS, Attn: Building Fund, 1360 University Ave W #347, St. Paul, MN 55104.