Dear Mr. Weir,

 

        On behalf of the National Park Service, and ultimately the children of Corpus Christi, please accept our thanks for the $2,000 Sharkathon donation that was used to provide bus transportation for low income students to visit Padre Island National Seashore. The money was placed in an account that was used exclusively for transportation grants. The donation made it possible for over 500 at-risk students from Title-One schools such as Lamar Elementary and Miller High school to visit the park and participate in education programs. It’s remarkable how many students from low income areas of Corpus Christi have never even seen the Gulf of Mexico. The excitement they show when they get off the bus and see the ocean for the first time is a joy to witness. Hopefully they will learn to appreciate the Gulf and through their experiences here, become good stewards as they grow older.

 

If you or any of your supporters ever wish to speak with the park staff regarding the grant, please don’t hesitate to do so. Several of the teachers from participating schools have also expressed a willingness to share what the funds meant to their students so if you would like to speak with them it will be easy to put you in touch. Thanks again for the donation and if any questions arise regarding the money please call or e-mail me and I’ll be glad to discuss the program with you.

 

Regards,

 

 

William “Buzz” Botts

Education Coordinator

Padre Island National Seashore

P.O. Box 181300

Corpus Christi, TX 78480

e-mail: william_botts@nps.gov

phone: (361) 949-8068