Stand and Deliver -- Update (We Need $7,700 by Friday!)

If you've read the blog recently, you'll know that my major cause of the moment is helping Prep Charter, a charter high school in Philadelphia, raise money to enable its football team to have a season this season. Right now, Prep Charter's coach, Larry Arata, has raised $12,300 towards this effort -- he needs $7,700 by Friday to make the dream of his diverse group of kids and him a reality.

You can help -- by sending a check and sending it quickly.

Make your check payable to "Prep Charter" and send it to Prep Charter, 1928 Point Breeze Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145, Attn.: Joanna Gabris, Principal, and please write "Football" on the memo line (and tell 'em that you're doing this to support Larry Arata in his quest to make a football team happen at this worthy school). Most of us won't have an opportunity to own any part of a football team, but here's a chance to start one -- and to make a serious difference in the lives of deserving kids. If you can give more -- and many of you can -- please write a bigger check. Some of you out there can, and it would be great if you could make the Prep Charter football team one of your most significant -- if not most significant -- causes for 2006. Prep Charter is a 501(c)(3) organization, which means that your donations will be tax deductible. And if you can't give that much, give something.

Read the post below for more details about Prep Charter's football program and its head coach, Larry Arata. Once you read it, I ask that you stand with me in supporting a wonderful cause.

Thank you very much.