TESTIMONIALS !

First and foremost, I want to thank you for your kind words.

I would like to take this time and apologize for not getting back to you sooner. However, at this time we are pretty busy at the college preparing for the fall semester which began by the time you read this e-mail.

As I browsed through your site and see the pictures of the trips you and CCF made to Venezuela and see the smiles of the young kids and many youth you have touched, a song lights my heart, and so I remember the poets words that sang: 'when I think of it them, it brights my spirit and I'm filled with energy from above to lend a hand".

This is my massage to you and your honorable staff. My heart rejoice to see the great work that you and your staff have done in bringing hope to the youth of my homeland and keeping Chico's sprit and dream alive.

I must share that I was touch by the words of David Concepcion a few nights ago when his number was retired by the Reds. 'El Rey' Concepcion gave tribute and thanks to the Great Chico. This is just another example how Chico's life was one that touched the hearts of many.

I'm honor to received your consideration. I believe that the Chico Carrasquel Foundation is not only needed to keep Chico's dream and spirit alive, but that we need a organization to serve has a save-heaven for the many youth that daily look for positive directions.

I see the Chico Carrasquel Foundation has a national institution that can built and shape the lives of many Venezuelan and American youth. I envision CCF centers throughout Venezuela, providing health educational programs, academics programs such as tutoring, and of course athletic programs that will be funded in Chico's traits: Honor, Respect, Enthusiasm, Teamwork, Grace and Love.

The above CCF centers will be equipped with computer labs and will provide the young school supplies. The athletic programs will include Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Cheerleading (for girls) and swimming, aside from our national past-time, Baseball.

Visions are the salvation of the mind and the beginning of greatness. However, as much as I see CCF growing and having a positive impact in our society, I'm aware that the only way to get this vision off the ground is by building positive relationships with the towns and it's local officials. Also, it takes an amount of fundraising efforts to make this dream real.

This is why I'll summit to our board a number of fundraising ideas and suggestions that I believe will be a winner both in the financial front and in building a spirit of community within us all.

I conclude by apologizing for getting ahead of myself. However, I must confess that I'm excited at the possibility of working with you and alongside you to keep Chico's spirit alive, while establishing programs that will benefit many of our youth he so loved.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

God Bless.
John Sanchez.
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John-Manuel Sánchez
Associate Coach
Men's Basketball