To the editor:

I’d like to thank the South Whidbey community for the generous and continuous support of Readiness To Learn Foundation which offers programs including Back To School, Holiday House, South Whidbey Family Resource Center and the Families In Transition. Families In Transition is currently assisting 60 homeless students who have multiple needs.

Whether it be a request for money or volunteer time this community always rises to the need. A special thank you Angela Vosburg, Robin Gunn and Mary Green for their efforts at the China City garage sale last weekend and to everyone who purchased an item. The proceeds will go directly to programs.

We are facing the real possibility of losing our state government funding this year, and to reduce the impact of this severe potential loss we are endeavoring to raise funds by hosting a Western barbecue Saturday, June 8 at the Bayview Hall, complete with a Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, belt buckle contest, raffle for bandanas made of cash, music and more. Tickets are available at our new and improved website rtl-foundation.org. We hope to see many of you there!

Also, on our website is information about how to advocate with our legislators to keep Readiness To Learn (RTL) in the state budget. All across the state, families and educators are speaking up to restore RTL in the budget. When we work together we can do what feels impossible. If readers feel the same way, I urge them to contact their legislators and let them know to continue funding Readiness To Learn.

Gail LaVassar,

executive director

Readiness To Learn Foundation