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Letters and Video Done 1999: Frank Foundation/Russian Children 01/1998
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Letters and Video Done 1999: Frank Foundation/Russian Children 01/1998
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10/27/1998 12:43
202-452-0719
FRANK FOUNDATION USA
PAGE 02
All Children Smile
in the Same Language
Frank
Foundation
October 27, 1998
Child Assistance
International, Inc.
Ms. Katy Button
Office of the First Lady
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Katy:
Thank you for taking the time to call me last week to provide me with an update to our request for a
meeting with the First Lady during November. We were disappointed to learn that Mrs. Clinton is
scheduled to be in Central America during the dates of our program and thus, needed to regret meeting
with our special children's delegation. Nevertheless, we appreciate her consideration of our request.
As discussed during our phone conversation, we would be very grateful if Mrs. Clinton could provide a
letter of welcome to the Russian children who have been selected to participate in this unique, once in a
lifetime program in the United States.
For your reference, I have attached the program outline along with a press release on this event. In
addition, a copy of a welcome letter provided by President Clinton in October of 1996 is also enclosed in
order to provide you with an idea of the kind of greeting we are asking from the First Lady.
Our children will be meeting with Mrs. Yeltsina, First Lady of Russia, one afternoon between the dates of
November 9 through the 17th If not asking too much from you, could we ask for Mrs. Clinton's letter
to arrive at my office before November 97 I would love to be able to present the letter to our children in
Moscow, simultaneous to their meeting with First Lady of Russia.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Should you have any additional questions, please do not
hesitate to contact me via phone (202-452-8279), fax (202-452-0719) or email ([email protected]).
Sincerely,
Julie L. Hogan
Program Director
1030 Fifteenth Street, NW, Suite 1020, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 452-8279 Fax: (202) 452-0719
http://www.frankfoundationcai.com Email: [email protected]
10/27/1998 12:43
202-452-0719
FRANK FOUNDATION USA
PAGE 03
WINTER PARK PROJECT
An Innovative Cultural Exchange Opportunity for
Visually Impaired Orphaned Children from Russia
Sponsors: Frank Foundation Child Assistance International, Washington, DC
and National Sports Center for the Disabled, Winter Park, CO
Program Summary:
Under the auspices of Frank Foundation Child Assistance International, eleven blind orphans (ages 7-16) from
Russia will have a once in a life time opportunity to engage in a unique cultural experience designed to enhance
self-esteem, dispel cultural and physical stereotypes and inspire hope through the vehicle of sports. The children
will engage in a week long intensive fun filled educational training program at the National Sports Center for the
Disabled in Winter Park Colorado. Volunteer Instructors, specially trained to address the needs of visually
impaired youths, will provide one on one skiing lessons for each child. During their stay in Colorado, the children
will be living with local families which will provide an added cultural, familial experience for the orphaned youths.
A true testimony to the power of global partnerships for the good of children, the Winter Park Program has been
embraced by the highest level of government. Prior to the group's departure from Russia, First Lady of Russia,
Mrs. Naina Yeltsina, will greet them at the Kremlin to wish them a safe and wonderful journey abroad. In turn,
First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, will warmly welcome the children at the White
House upon their arrival within the United States. Two First ladies of two world powers, once again, symbolically
unite, to celebrate international cooperation for the world's children.
Other highlights of the program include special lessons with internationally acclaimed athletes and renowned
persons. A welcome VIP Thanksgiving dinner/fund-raiser is being planned at commencement of the group's stay at
Winter Park.
The entire Winter Park project serves as a pilot program which will be used as a model to be replicated in other ski
resorts throughout the world. The innovative training methods and recreational therapy program for disabled
individuals designed by NSCD will be taught through specialized "train the trainer" programs through Frank
Foundation activities. Measures are currently being taken to replicate the program in Italy next year. Dr. Nicola
Grauso, Founder and CEO of the Grauso Group and the Grauso Foundation, supports the philosophy and goals of
the Winter Park program and has expressed the desire to initiate the first successful training model in Italy in 1999,
Dr. Grauso will be an honored guest during the present program.
Frank Foundation Child Assistance International has been designing and sponsoring innovative exchange
programs for less advantaged children in Russia and the United States since its initiation in 1992. The
foundation's other activities include medical evacuations, child advocacy work, humanitarian assistance, fact
finding missions, professional training programs and adoption support. The organization's endeavors are
guided by two objectives: delivering immediate relief for children with the greatest need and sustaining ongoing
efforts to eradicate suffering for all children. All activities reaffirm the foundation's belief that "All Children
Smile in the same language".
The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) began in 1970 and has since become the largest and most
successful program of its kind in the world. Enabling the spirit through sport for participants from every
continent except Antarctica, NSCD is recognized as a leader in therapeutic recreation. Since its founding in
1970, NSCD provides nearly 28,000 lessons a year 10 children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.
Participants learn there is "no mountain too high" through NSCD opportunities that build self-confidence
through recreational and competitive challenges.
FFCAI: page I of2;
winter park.outline.wps; revised 10/27/98 12:31 PM
10/27/1998 12:43 202-452-0719
FRANK FOUNDATION USA
PAGE 04
GOALS
1.
The unique exchange experience provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for visually impaired orphan
children to enjoy winter sport activities which would be impossible for them in their normal circumstance.
2.
The specialized instruction through NSCD will increase self esteem and serve as positive physical and
psychological motivation for the children.
3.
The event will give the children an opportunity to be introduced to families who perhaps are considering
adoption of a special needs child. The chance for the potential parents to interact with the children, speak
to primary care givers and understand the adoption process in Russia is exceptional.
4.
A model program will be developed to spread the philosophy and technique of NSCD to other professionals
throughout the world.
5.
The project serves as a powerful symbol which encourages all to regain the power that comes from taking
local and global responsibility for the world's children, and to celebrate the richness of physical and
cultural diversity.
Dates of Program:
November 18 November 27, 1998
US Cities:
Washington, DC (November 20 and 26)
Winter Park, CO (November 21 - November 26)
Special Corporate Sponsors:
United Airlines, Aeroflot Airlines, Norwest Bank, Gart Brothers Ski and Sport, Winter Park Resort, Frank
Adoption Center
Program/Highlight Events:
November 14 - 17, 1998:
*1
Special Meeting with Mrs. Naina Yeltsina,
First Lady of the Russian Federation: The Kremlin, Moscow, Russia
November 18, 1998:
Depart Moscow; Arrive in Washington, DC (via NYC)
November 19-20, 1998:
*2 Special meeting with Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton,
First Lady of the United States of America: The White House, Washington, DC, USA
November 21, 1998:
Depart DC to Winter Park, CO (via Denver) on United Airlines
(pro bono tickets)
November 21, 1998:
Press Conference and Reception: sponsored by Norwest Bank
November 21, 1998
Winter Park Program -- designed and through supported by
through
NSCD and local businesses
November 26, 1998:
November 26, 1998:
[Thanksgiving Day] Depart CO to DC
November 27, 1998:
Depart DC for Moscow
*1 Meeting confirmed, exact date and time to be announced
*2
Request to White House is in process of review
FFCAI: page 2 of 2;
winter park.outline.wps; revised 10/27/98 12:31 PM
10/27/1998 12:43
202-452-0719
FRANK FOUNDATION USA
PAGE 05
NO MOUNTAIN TOO HIGH
National Sports Center
for the Disabled
WINTER PARK COLORADO
A THANKSGIVING CHANCE FOR BLIND RUSSIAN ORPHANS
National Sports Center
for the Disabled
Eleven blind Russian orphans will encounter their first ever chance for adoption
through a unique trip to Colorado meant to enhance their self-esteem and prove
P.O. Box 1290
their capabilities to themselves and American families wishing to adopt.
Winter Park, CO 80482
Over the Thanksgiving holidays, Frank Foundation Child Assistance
Phone: 970-726-1540
International of Washington, DC will bring the children thousands of miles
Fax: 970-726-4112
from their bleak orphanage in Russia to learn to ski at the National Sports
Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado.
http://www.nsed.org
"In Russia, these children's blindness diminishes any chance they may ever
have of adoption or success in life," says Frank Foundation co-founder Nina
Kostina. "The National Sports Center for the Disabled has a track record of
eliminating boundaries, obstacles and limitations in the lives of children like
these orphans. Not only will they learn to ski but also discover their own self
worth and prove to potential adoptive parents that they can excel in the same
activities as any other child.
Specially trained instructors will guide the blind children on the slopes of
Winter Park from November 22 until Thanksgiving Day. The orphans, ages
seven to sixteen, will also experience another unforgettable adventure when
they stay with host families in the warmth and love of an American home.
All Children Smile
in the Same Language©
"During a day on the slopes, these blind children will learn what they are ABLE
to do," explains Hal O'Leary, recreation program director at the NSCD. "Then
for the first time in their lives, they will go home at the end of the day to a
family who cares about their progress. Many of the people who visit our
programs in Winter Park actually find skiing easier than walking. For the
orphans, that freedom of movement combined with a family experience will be
powerful tools that really make a difference in their loves.
Frank
Russian First Lady Naina Yeltsin will wish the children luck with a farewell
Foundation
reception in Moscow. Her commitment to children has been inspirational. The
project also has the support of corporate sponsors United Airlines, Norwest
Child Assistance
Bank, Holiday Inn, and Gart Brothers Sports and Ski.
International, Inc.
Frank Foundation Child Assistance International has been helping children like
these Russian orphans since 1992. The Foundation, which has offices in
1030 15th Street, NW
Washington DC and in Moscow, addresses the needs of the world's
Suite 1020
disadvantaged children through programs in five key areas: medical, legal,
social, educational, and cultural.
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202*452*8279
The National Sports Center for the Disabled began in 1970 and has since
Fax: 202-452-0719
become the largest and most successful program of its kind in the world,
enabling the spirit through sport for participants from every continent except
http://www.frankfoundationcai.org
Antartica. Children and adults with physical and mental disabilities take almost
28,000 lessons a year in its winter and summer recreational programs.
Couples interested in adoption can reach the Frank Foundation at (800) 500-
8279. Individuals interested in recreation for the disabled can call the National
10/27/1998 12:43
202-452-0719
FRANK FOUNDATION USA
PAGE 06
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 18, 1996
Warm greetings to everyone gathered for the fifth annual
Frank Family Reunion, sponsored by the Frank Foundation Child
Assistance International.
The children of our world are our greatest hope and most
profound responsibility. Since January of 1992, the dedicated
staff and volunteers of the Frank Foundation Child Assistance
International have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to
improving the lives of young people, working tirelessly for
their protection, health, development, and education. By
striving to meet the needs of children in newly democratic
countries, we can all help to address the effects of poverty,
disability, or neglect, and ensure a brighter future for these
young people.
I commend the volunteers and supporters of the Frank
Foundation Child Assistance International for your generosity
and compassion. You can take great pride in your achievements
and in your continued dedication to putting the needs of our
children first.
Best wishes for a memorable anniversary celebration and
for every future success.
Biu Crinten