To the editor:

Athletics for Education and Success (AFES), has been in existence since 2004, serving youth and families of Fort Dodge and surrounding communities. I am writing this letter to ask for community support in helping us continue to “develop better athletes, stronger students and tomorrow’s leaders.”

Over the last 15 years, AFES has been very successful in getting youth on the right track and helping them navigate their middle school and high school years. We see over 100 youth a day with our various programs, and have been able to help countless at-risk youth graduate high school by being a consistent support system for them. We have also helped 12 Fort Dodge High School student athletes earn college scholarships.

As we continue to expand our programming to meet the ever-changing and challenging needs of today’s youth and families, we also need the financial assistance to do so. Our plans over the next few years include expanding our performing arts projects, and finding new and creative ways to work with the Fort Dodge school system to assist teachers, youth and parents.

We are seeking to raise $30,000 to help offset the cost associated with these programs and projects and are asking for donations of any size to assist us. Donations can be made to AFES and sent to 712 Third St. N.W., Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501.

Thank you.

Charles Clayton

Athletics for Education and Success