Dear Friends,

With 2007 drawing to a close, we now have an opportunity to reflect on the success we have experienced during this, the inaugural year of the Bulldogs Care Foundation (BCF).  We would like to thank all of those that have chosen to support BCF in our mission to serve disadvantaged youth as they pursue personal development through programs in athletics, education and mentoring.  In all that we do, the Foundation seeks to embody the passion, spirit and sense of community and friendship of four Yale University Bulldogs – Kyle Burnat, Andrew Dwyer, Nick Grass and Sean Fenton – who lost their lives in a tragic car accident while at Yale University.

While initially bolstered by an enthusiastic group of founding members, BCF has grown by leaps and bounds in 2007.  The Foundation has more than doubled its Board of Directors and Event Committee, building a solid Foundation of women and men with diverse experiences, all of whom share a passion for helping local youth in need.  With the evolution of BCF’s Board and Event Committee, our supporting community has developed well beyond concerned Yale University graduates. This Board has successfully produced a stellar fundraising event this year, Tip Off To Success, that raised over $150,000.  These funds will support a local student-athlete program with a proven track record, and will also create a scholarship fund for young men and women who would like to attend Yale University but do not have the financial means to do so.

It is no secret that the entire community benefits when kids are involved in personal development programs – whether mentoring, athletics or other after-school activities.  Providing these support systems to young people gives them the assistance and experience they need to become future leaders in their communities.  It is widely recognized that participation in these programs can decrease the rate of drug and alcohol use and increase a person’s ability to perform academically and socially.  We believe that supporting these programs opens doors for young people, provides a chance to grow and an opportunity to pursue a better quality of life.

We hope you will join BCF in becoming the premier Foundation dedicated to supporting student-athlete programs for local New York City area youth.  Our success in 2007 is just the tip of the iceberg; 2008 is destined to be even more momentous for children and young adults in need.  We hope you will join BCF in our exciting movement to better the lives of others.

Sincerely,

The Bulldogs Care Foundation