While counting my many blessings, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your ongoing interest in and support of Chutzpah & Courage. Our work depends on your encouragement, your prayers, your support and your generous gifts, and I want you to know how much I appreciate you. As president of Chutzpah & Courage, I also express my thanks to our board for their continued volunteer service and convey their thanks to you as well.
You needn't look any further than the recent mass shooting at the University of Virginia to know how much our work is needed. According to news coverage of this tragic story, we've learned that the shooter reported being bullied by the football team and sat alone at the back of the bus while he and the team returned from a field trip. There are, of course, many facets to the gun violence that prevails across America, and no singular cause. However, Chutzpah & Courage is hard at work fulfilling our mission to combat bullying, discrimination, hatred, and anti-Semitism by teaching youths and adults to be "Upstanders" in the face of injustice of all kinds.
Our "Upstanders" pilot curriculum currently is being taught at Swift Creek Middle School in Chesterfield County and we are working to expand the program to other schools and school districts. This is an important and necessary first step toward a kinder and more just society for all of us.
Again, thank you for your loyal and unwavering support of me, my work, and the work of Chutzpah & Courage. As you celebrate Thanksgiving with your family and friends, I hope you feel my warmest good wishes and my deepest appreciation.
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