Red Shoe Shuffle

Dear Friends, Business Associates, and Neighbors:

In an effort to support our local community, the San Diego Metro office of Keller Williams Realty is presenting the Second Annual Red Shoe Shuffle 5K. The Monarch School will again be the beneficiary of charitable donations and funds raised through this event. Established in 1988 and located at 808 Cedar St. in Little Italy, Monarch School provides an environment in which homeless or at-risk youth can achieve their dreams of normal, productive lives through education. Monarch offers classes for children ages 8-18, grades 3-12 with ancillary programs such as family assistance, job training, counseling, medical support and personal enrichment through one-on-one mentoring and the arts. It is one of only two known schools for homeless kids in the country and is a prototype for how a community educates homeless children. Monarch’s emphasis on academic achievement is really working- for every six months a child is at Monarch, he/she will progress more than a year.

Last year’s event was a huge success creating new awareness of the school and all it does to support these wonderful children. With a fundraising goal of over $50,000 the Red Shoe Shuffle 5k will take place on Saturday October 18th, 2008. The official distance, timed 5K route begins and ends at NTC Park in Liberty Station Point Loma. Post-race celebration includes a health and lifestyle expo, awards ceremony, live entertainment, food, and much more for the whole community to enjoy!

We are giving you a chance to make a difference in a homeless child’s life. When we heard about the following eye-opening statistics, it was simply a “no-brainer” to take action:

The average age of a homeless person in the U.S. is nine years old.

Families with children constitute approximately 40% of people who become homeless.

100% of Monarch Students come from poverty; either low income or “no” income.

Kids who attend Monarch School live in local shelters, motels or single room occupancy housing, in cars or on the streets.

Monarch’s high school students recently earned scores on the API (Academic Performance Index), outperforming students in over 20 other County schools!

We are offering you and your business a chance to change these children’s lives. The Monarch School does not force their students to participate; they choose to attend on their own accord, taking public transportation or whatever means available to get there. Monarch students work hard to break the cycle of homelessness 51 weeks out of the year and students can enroll themselves. These kids are such heroes!

We thank you for your time and hope that you will join us in supporting Monarch School at the Second Annual Red Shoe Shuffle 5K as one of our core sponsors. For all the details on how to get involved please go to www.redshoeshuffle.com and click on the appropriate icon.

Keller Williams Realty and most importantly the children of Monarch School thank you for your kind and generous support!

Sincerely,
The Red Shoe Shuffle Team

P.S. If you’d like to learn more about Monarch School and take a tour of the unique facility to “meet the kids”, please contact Paula Kelly at 619-685-8242 Ext. 227 or pkelly@monarchschool.org.