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It's that time again..for support
Last updated on March 11, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It's that time of the year when we get on our knees and start groveling for any financial assistance and/or benevolent donations for the cause.
We know it's hard to believe but we were turned down once again for federal bailout and TARP funds in 2009. We keep trying to be irresponsible with our investments while going deeper in debt and rampant growth but it's just not enough for us to qualify.
So, we are forced to put forth the tin cup and ask for any jingling that may rain unto us.
In all seriousness, our expenses and investment in equipment and supplies has gotten larger as each year passes. It exceeds what a lot of commercial operators would spend on their systems that make them money and it exceeds what we are able to keep pace with. It is way too much for us to maintain at the current level and that doesn't even begin to touch the travel related expenses we incur with every trip or the yearly administrative and overhead costs, all of which as an aggregate we have to pay for out of pocket.
This last year a few people have been quite generous with their time, skills, monetary donations, available resources and new & used equipment donations. It all helps to offset the enormous investment we make each year in keeping up with not only all the maintenance and upgrades but all of the new builds & expansions, equipment purchases and recurring monthly expenses. We strive to keep this network as one of the most reliable and viable ones out there for those times that it is really needed in a pinch. We don't require a "membership fee" to use CARLA and it has always been an OPEN system and we will continue to keep it that way but it isn't easy to do and that's where any help we can seek out is sincerely appreciated.
We realize there are no requirements to help defray any of the operating costs or capitol investments we incur each year and we're okay with that. But, if you do like what we have in place and enjoy using it or just want to know you'll have it in your hip pocket to use when needed, please consider helping us out in any way you see fit. Some folks have always been there to help on one project or another or make a donation or allow us use of their resources or purchase/donate new & used equipment for us and that is terrific. You know who you are and we can't thank you enough for what you have done. There probably is no one quite as dedicated as the principals of this network but some select few individuals have come in a very close second. But, we know there are more of you out there that are willing or would like to help us in one fashion or another and just need a nudge or reminder that this is the season for our pledge drive. If you are unable to do anything at this time we understand. If you are able to later that's great but keep in mind we are not requiring it of anyone, but rather this is a chance for us to solicit the help of those that can and want to help out. First and foremost please feel free to continue using the system and hopefully enjoy what all it has to offer.
This year we have plans for many new endeavors on the horizon. We hope you can be a part of it in one way or another and enjoy all that it will offer. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, suggestions or ideas.
If you know of anyone that uses the system or would like to support it feel free to forward this on to them. There are plenty of people that utilize CARLA in some form or fashion but aren't part of this reflector.
We look forward to another successful year in 2010.
Thanks again.
The CARLA Team