Friends,

I'm sure like Patti and me, you are grief-stricken by the loss of human life and devastation caused by the earthquake that struck Haiti earlier this week – the worst earthquake in that country in more than 200 years. An untold number of people have been lost, and hundreds of thousands more now have very limited access to food, shelter, medicine, and basic sanitation.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti. In their hour of need we should all remember that this horrible disaster could very easily become an even bigger tragedy if we don't do our part to help. I know that in this tough economy it's very difficult to go outside the family budget, but if you can I would ask you to please consider donating to one of the following relief organizations:

·   Clinton Foundation http://www.clintonfoundation.org/haitiearthquake/
·   American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/en/
·   Doctors without Borders http://doctorswithoutborders.org/
·   UNICEF USA http://www.unicefusa.org/

Along with those organizations, we're involved with ACDI/VOCA which is concentrating their efforts in the Jacmel region, one of the hardest hit areas. For more information on what ACDI/VOCA does and how to contribute please visit www.acdivoca.org
It's been difficult moments like these that have always brought out what’s best in the American people. Thank you for all you can do.

Sincerely,

John Garamendi