Brittany Marini
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Many TUNNY crewmwmbers recently read the story of Brittany Marini, and her opportunity to participate in a scholastic program called, People to People Ambassadors. She was accepted based on her SAT scores. It is an opportunity for her to travel, for 19 days, to France, Rome and places in between. Naturally this sort of trip would require funding, and sponsorship.
Her dear old dad, ETCS (SS) Rick Marini requested some help from the TUNNY website and ask of the generosity of the Tunny family in support of this educational trip. I also received an email from Brittany with details:
February 2, 2005
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
My name is Brittany Marini, Daughter of ETCS (SS) Richard Marini (a former USS Tunny Sailor), and I am an 8th- grade student at Grace Christian Academy in Honolulu. I was recently interviewed and accepted to participate as a member of the People-to-People Student Ambassador Program to Europe this summer. The objective of the program is to promote international understanding while building leadership skills among America's youth. The 21-day experience includes meetings with government officials, interaction with other students my age, educational activities, and home stays with host families.
I am currently seeking financial sponsors to help me with tuition, and hope I can count on your support. In case you haven't heard of People-to-People, please allow me to share some history with you. President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded the organization in 1956. He believed that if people could come together in peace and friendship, so eventually would countries. Since its founding, People-to-People has launched many international programs, including Sister Cities, Project HOPE, and Pen Pals.
People to People Student Ambassadors are carefully interviewed and evaluated before their acceptance and I am honored to have been selected. Personally, I am looking forward to broadening my perspectives of the world and gaining a better understanding of Western European history. Both my great-grandfathers fought in World War II in Europe. Upon my return, I plan to share my experience with schools and civic clubs in our community. As an Ambassador, I can also earn high school and college credit because of the many educational elements in my program.
The program tuition is $ 5,669.00, which includes all transportation, accommodations, meals, and educational activities. I am asking 80 contributors to each donate $70 to help me reach my goal. Is it possible for you to assist me by making a contribution? Any amount of contribution would be appreciated. I will plan to share my journal, photographs, and experiences with my contributors upon my return.
Sincerely yours,
Brittany Marini
Student Ambassador
I was glad to help out Rick and family in any way at all. Here is the followup email message I received from Rick in April, 2005.
Tom,
Big Mahalo to all who participated. Our goal of 5669.00 was achieved; the Tunny family pitched in and did her part, just as I knew they would. I would like to list the contributors but am wondering just how tacky that would be. I do not want to sound like I am ungrateful or dissing those whom did not. Does that make sense, or should we list them anyhow?
Quick testimony: One of our former shipmates is now a middle school teacher; he challenged his 6th grade class to do a fundraiser for Brittany. He then matched the funds contributed by his class and sent a nice letter with a check to her. Is that awesome or what?!!!!!!
We just had a meeting with the People-to-People program managers this past Saturday and I have been meaning to get this update out since then. Once again, I am extremely overwhelmed at the response received. Brittany is formulating a thank-you response via email and via USPS mail. She is also going to send those who sponsored her photos from the trip upon her return along with a final Mahalo letter.
You can discontinue the link to the Pay Pal account. Send me a response as to the point of listing contributors or just merely sending out a big Mahalo for closure concerning her trip.
Love ya,
