Someone sent me a poem today. It touched my heart. She said I could use it to help promote the Fundraising Drive for ADV Research we are doing through the FML Card Exchange. Please read this wonderful poem. If it pulls your heartstrings and you would to donate just one dollar-to be added to all the dollars we collect through the card exchange, I will make sure it gets to the University of Georgia. Checks should be made out to University of Ga Foundation and sent to me at: Judy Cooke, 851 Burnt Pond Road, Ostrander, Ohio 43061. I also had, I am sure-a well-intentioned person write to ask me why people should send their money to me instead of directly to the University. I gave her the best answer I could. If one person has concerns about sending their donation to me, perhaps there are others with the same concerns. I wanted to post my answer here. I believe a large sum of money has a much greater impact than a smaller sum! In the past year, the UGa has had donations straggle in- $10.00 here, $100 there, $50.00, $5.00. Then thanks to the attendees of the International Ferret Symposium in Las Vegas, the Symposium Committee was able to donate $4000.00 to the University. This donation made an impact and showed UGa the ferret community is not only concerned, but eager to have the research continue. Shortly afterward, additional funding was granted for ADV Research. I also believe that many, many ferret owners feel they simply cannot donate a large enough amount to make a difference. But.....when they know their one or two dollars is added to someone else's couple of dollars which is added to someone else's, the amount grows into a sum that can and will make a difference. It could be your dollar that allows the University to buy that last piece of equipment they need to make the breakthrough that will unlock the mystery of this vicious disease! Please read the Poem below. Thanks! Judy Cooke Co-Director International Ferret Congress Support Our Shelters International Ferret Symposium Committee Organizer of the FML Card Exchanges And all-around ferret lover! Now the poem: Memories A day to remember All the Ferrets we love It's sad that some Was taken away By the initials ADV Those that were lost Are now set free There is no more suffering Or no more pain We remember them the way they were Before they got sick And it had no cure Think how Happy They made us then They still do now Remember when So please Donate to ADV As the one that is saved Could be yours If We donate to find the cure Rest in Peace White Russian & Good luck Kouri Flora Hedrick 6-25-02 [Posted in FML issue 3825]