Dear Friend,

Warmest greetings from the Kansas Association of the Deaf (KAD)! We are reaching out to you with an invitation to embark on a journey that weaves the threads of community recognition, elevation, and celebration into one vibrant kaleidoscope!

For 115 years, KAD has been a steadfast bastion for the culturo-linguistic Deaf Community in Kansas, championing the civil, human, and linguistic rights and opportunities for Deaf* individuals. Our history is deep-rooted with triumphs and advocacy that connect with more than 242,000 Kansans who look to us for leadership and a sense of community in a world where language barriers often create walls too high to scale alone.

On November 16th, we aspire to bring our vision to a triumphant height with our upcoming fundraiser, the first annual "Lights On! Deaf Up!", hosted at the Olathe Club of the Deaf. We anticipate welcoming hundreds of Deaf individuals, families, and allies, all united in an afternoon of celebration and elevation. All funds raised will go towards keeping KAD going strong for another one hundred years with its advocacy efforts to illuminate a path to inclusivity and an equitable future for all! To make this fundraiser as exciting and extravagant as we hope, we will need your help!

The highlight of our fundraiser is the Silent Basket Auction, where the highest bidder will have the chance to win unique, creative, and extravagant baskets brimming with products graciously donated by businesses like yours. We believe that each basket not only serves as a prize, but also as a beacon that recognizes supportive businesses as essential for a thriving shared signing community. Your participation in this endeavor is not just welcomed—it is celebrated!  

We exuberantly invite you to consider supporting our fundraiser by donating a basket full of gift certificates, merchandise, or services. In exchange, you will receive some excellent community exposure and advertising through our social media platforms highlighting your mutual respect, solidarity, and shared vision for an inclusive society where every perspective is seen, every heart is touched, and every life is cherished.

We will gladly pick up your donation if it is local, or it can be mailed to the address: Kansas Association of the Deaf, 455 E. Park St., Olathe, KS 66061.  For your items/basket to be included in the Lights On! Deaf Up! Fundraiser, we must receive it by November 10th, 2024. Your donation is tax deductible. We are a nonprofit organization with tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status in good standing and our federal tax identification number is 48-6108811. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@deafkansas.org.   

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration! We look forward to your positive response and hope to welcome you as our valued partner in our endeavor to light up lives and uplift spirits.

With sincere gratitude,

The KAD Board