Update #1 December 2008

Hello all,

Thank you so much for your interest in running and supporting Team ACSO in the 2009 Baker to Vegas competition.

I apologize for the delay in getting back to each of you. I have been working on securing financial support to raise our initial race fees of $1600. Fees are technically due by the end of December, however there is so much interest in the race, spots are filling fast and we have been urged to get our fees in and paid ASAP to ensure a spot in the race. I have been in contact with both the Deputy Sheriff’s Sports Association (DSSA) and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association (DSA) to garner support with payment of our fees as a non profit donation from either of them; however, the DSSA is focused on providing assistance to youth in our community and I have been unable to hammer out some details with the DSA in a timely fashion. We are still working on making it happen, but also need to look forward so we do not miss the opportunity to reserve a space in the race.

The current plan, as we move forward with fundraising efforts, is to create a bank account whereby people (friends, family etc) who wish to support us financially, can do so with the appropriate tax advantages. Donations would be made via pay pal (or something similar) so supporters can donate with the click of a button from the comfort of home. This would eliminate the need to create an address to mail checks, picking up said checks, taking them to a bank and depositing them. It would also create better oversight for us.

That being said, we still need to raise startup funds and do some initial housekeeping. Thus we are currently requesting the following:

From Runners:

1) $100 deposit – a. This would be used to pay for race entrance fees, until we are able to garner support from the DSA

b. Additionally, money will be used to provide deposits for rooms and or vans and begin securing airfares into Las Vegas. With the prices of gas, flying would be a cheaper option then paying extra days for van rentals and the gas it would take to get to Las Vegas.

c. Depending on the amount of funding we raise over the next few months, this deposit could be returned to runners under the following conditions - Affected runner arrives in Las Vegas and completes their assignment (their leg of the race, barring emergency, or standing by as an alternate) - If a runner is unable to participate and must withdraw, s/he does so prior to January 31, 2009 (barring emergency) - Forfeited deposits will be used to augment associated costs for any new runners we have to plug in.

2) Pace – a. In order to get your estimated pace, chart out a course of approximately 5-6 miles (about a 10K). Run it using a timer then divide the total time by the mileage (i.e. 1 hour 5 minutes = 65 minutes divided by 6 miles = 10.83 min mile.)

b. If you routinely run 10ks or half marathons, then submit your official chip time from the last race you participated in.

c. don’t let this freak you out, we are not eliminating people based on speed, but will help us to determine the level of runners we have and what leg of the race we should cover with whom.

3) Schedule and Duty Station –

4) Two forms of contact information - a. Email (written out)

b. Phone number

From Support Staff (who wish to help out in Las Vegas):

1) $50 deposit – a. again to be used to provide deposits on rooms, vans and airfare etc

b. Depending on the amount of funding we raise over the next few months, this deposit will be returned to support staff under the following conditions - Affected support staff arrive in Las Vegas and complete their assignment - If a support staff person is unable to participate and must withdraw, s/he does so prior to January 31, 2009 (barring emergency) - Forfeited deposits will be used to augment associated costs for any new support staff we have to plug in.

2) Schedule and Duty Station

3) Two forms of contact information - a. Email (written out)

b. Phone number

From Support Staff (those helping out only from here)

1) Fundraising ideas that require little overhead
2) Schedule and Duty Station
3) Two forms of contact informationa. Email (written out)

b. Phone number

From everyone

1) A commitment to raise at least $500 each.

Keep in mind that $500 is not a requirement, but a goal. If we reach that goal, based on our current level of interest, we should have enough to cover our expenses and return the deposits. If any funds remain, they will be rolled over to the following year’s participation.

First and foremost we must get our entrance fees paid, once that happens we can begin moving forward on fundraising, and logistics. In the interim, I will continue to forward information as it comes to me.

Again, please check out the website at http://www.bakervegas.com/ for more information about the event. It is pretty much LA’s version of Urban Shield for runners!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or there is a change in your status.

Thank you for your time, efforts and support.