Greetings from the Bluffton University Soccer Teams!

Several weeks ago I looked out my front window to see a "lake" in front of our home. I was reminded, for the second time in six months, of how fortunate I am to have a dry house! The recent combination of rain and melting snow has again put our local communities (Ottawa and Findlay) under water. (Some of you will recall that our pre-season was taken away due to flooding in Bluffton.)

This type of weather isn't typical for northwest Ohio. Needless to say, our neighbors weren't prepared for the excessive amounts of rain. Over three hundred homes in Ottawa were flooded. Some of these families had just moved back into their homes after flood restoration, and many homes were without heat as the temperatures dipped into the single digits. There is a tremendous amount of need here.

As I was discussing this with the soccer teams, while also considering our own fundraising needs, it became apparent that we have a unique opportunity to do something productive within our community. Our soccer teams will be offering their sweat and energy on Saturday, April 12, to assist in the clean-up of Ottawa, Ohio.

I am writing to invite your financial sponsorship and support of our athletes either by the hour or for the day (8 hours), or by a flat donation for the day. Our goal is to raise $6,000 ($3,000/team). Half of these funds will go to Ottawa area's Red Cross chapter and to those families and individuals that were adversely affected by the recent floods. The other half will go directly into our soccer activities accounts to help our team participate in several spring tournaments (e.g. entry fees, van rentals, and meals). These "spring training tournaments" are extra activities that are an important part of our effort to prepare for the fall 2008 intercollegiate season.

We are hoping to improve our skills and teamwork by playing together this spring and hope that you can consider supporting us and Ottawa area flood relief as you are able. We also appreciate your prayers and thoughts of support as we become the hands and feet of Christ to those in need.

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Smucker at: E-mail - smuckers@bluffton.edu
Phone - 419-358-3010

Sincerely,

Steve Smucker
Head Soccer Coach – Bluffton University

BLUFFTON UNIVERSITY SOCCER