Dear Friends & Family,

Without a doubt, I am getting ready for the biggest challenge of my life. On October 5, 2008, I will be racing to the top of Mount Diablo as part of Save Mount Diablo’s "Rise to the Challenge". I will be joining over 1,000 cyclists to climb the Bay Area’s Devilish Peak in the most exciting cycling event benefiting Save Mount Diablo. I will be cycling 10.8 miles and climbing 3,249 feet up to the summit of Mount Diablo. My goal is to reach the summit in less than ______ (put your own goal here, eg 1-hour and ten minutes) as well as raising over _____ (put your goal here, eg $500) for Save Mount Diablo.

Save Mount Diablo is a tax exempt, non-profit organization founded in 1971 in response to a lack of funding for the State Park and development proposals that were threatening the slopes of the mountain. Since Save Mount Diablo was founded, publicly owned parks and natural lands on and around the mountain have increased from 6,788 to more than 90,000 acres.

Save Mount Diablo acquires land, responds to development proposals, and works with agencies to preserve land. It also educates the public about threats to the mountain; monitors land use planning on private land near the parks; restores habitat and reintroduces rare species; builds trails and supports recreational opportunities; and works to ensure that park maintenance needs are met.

Mount Diablo’s publicly owned lands protect only a portion of the mountain and its surrounding foothills. Hundreds of thousands of new residents will be moving to Contra Costa and eastern Alameda County in the next 30 years. Urbanization is making a significant impact on the mountain’s wildlife resources and scenic beauty.

Thousands of acres of privately owned natural lands remain threatened as development pressures increase. We must save the mountain’s natural lands and the wildlife, recreational and scenic corridors as a means of ensuring our community’s quality of life, for our children and for future generations. We must continue to protect Mount Diablo and preserve its beauty and ecology.

Funds raised from the Mount Diablo Challenge are used to support Save Mount Diablo’s land conservation efforts, with approximately 85% of every dollar going directly to saving the mountain.

Won’t you please join me in supporting Save Mount Diablo by making a tax deductible contribution today. I have enclosed a Sponsor Form and Self Addressed Stamped Envelope for your convenience.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity,

John Smith