As you consider giving, we hope you might consider the Mount Vernon Tigers Cheerleading team, based at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center in Del Ray. The team is part of a city-wide cheerleading program sponsored in part by the City of Alexandria.

The program is free, except that the parents are asked to fundraise to pay for uniforms and equipment, which will cost $4500 for the Tigers. The girls practice two to three afternoons per week, and as competition approaches they also practice on Saturday mornings.

There is a city-wide Cheerleading Competition in April 2006. The Mount Vernon Rec Center program has 44 girls, ranging in age from 5 years to 15 years old. This is double the number of participants they've had in the past. This year the Rec Center has the benefit of strong coaches and a good group of girls. They hope to instill some discipline and responsibility, so the girls are proud of the results of their efforts at competition.

Most of the girls attend Mount Vernon Elementary School and/or participate in the Mount Vernon Recreation Center after-school programs. As a group we're in need of significant fundraising or sponsorship. No contribution is too small. If you could make a contribution, checks should be made out to "City of Alexandria." Please make a note in the memo area that reads: "Mt. Vernon Rec Center, Donation Fund, Cheerleading." The check can be mailed directly to the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305. Thank you for your consideration.