A letter to our friends,

On June 8, 2005, we lost a great friend, Chad K. Haynes, to a tragic accident. Because of Chad’s engaging personality, his energy and sincerity impacted many people. His loss was devastating to many people. It's difficult to properly honor the memory of a person who led a life as fully alive as Chad led his. As a result, Chad's family and friends (and there are many of us) worked throughout 2005 to create an institution that would properly honor his memory. With this in mind, we created the non-profit Chad K. Haynes Memorial Fund whose sole goal was to pass on Chad's legacy each year by providing scholarships for three students attending N.C. State University. Why three students? Three is a special number to many of Chad’s friends. Those of us who knew him personally have always associated this number with Chad because of his fondness and skill at draining basketball shots from behind the three-point arc. To do this right, it has to be three students. Three students, rather than one, broaden the large reach of Chad's influence.

As members of the Board of Directors of the Chad K. Haynes Memorial Fund, we ask you to consider donating to our cause. The Memorial Fund has raised over $70,000 since its inception in June of 2005 from numerous events and generous donations. This fund-raising has provided the resource for establishing an Endowment in Chad’s name with NC State University.  Beginning with the 2008-09 academic year and continuing without end, an academic scholarship is awarded each year to a rising sophomore, junior or senior at State by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.  In addition, since the 2007-08 academic year, the Memorial Fund has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior from North Buncombe H.S. (Chad’s High School) attending NC State.

Of course, if you did indeed know Chad personally, then this letter probably has little affect on you. You've already donated, organized, and participated in many CKH Memorial Fund events. You were compelled to because we are all many-time recipients of Chad's effusive generosity. The best we can now do is to return the favor belatedly. However, if you were not lucky enough to know Chad personally, but have a friend who knew him, then we hope that you will donate as a tribute to your living friend: a salute to friendship everywhere. That is exactly what Chad would love to see. Friends helping friends is what Chad was all about.

Now it is up to YOU. There are several ways to get involved and honor Chad. Please think about participating in our annual fund-raising events, a tribute to what Chad enjoyed most, friendship, camaraderie, spirited competition and FUN!  If you cannot participate in an event, consider donating directly to the Memorial Fund or providing gift cards or prizes for our events.

Thank you in advance for your time, consideration, and donations.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors

Chad K. Haynes Memorial Fund