Dear Preschool Supporter:

If you have watched TV or read a newspaper lately, you have probably noticed the growing concern over childhood obesity. While this issue has been of great concern in America for years, the problem appears to have reached epidemic levels.

The 4^th Annual LAUP Dodger Day on August 4th was a huge success with nearly 1,000 preschool fans in attendance. It was an evening to remember, as the LAUP community from all over Los Angeles County, brought family and friends to the game to support the organization's commitment to providing access to high-quality preschool.

Gabriela Toro is a very busy mother. Her days are typically filled with shuttling her two sons back and forth to school and athletic commitments, taking care of her infant daughter and volunteering for school, church and community organizations. Despite her hectic schedule, this Long Beach resident still finds time to advocate for early education.

It may seem long ago, but the compromise solution to the debt-ceiling crisis of August 2011 left a big question mark on future funding for Early Childhood Education (ECE). Educators foresee if Congress does not act soon, the landscape of ECE financial support may have drastic changes starting January 2013.

There is no doubt that in today's fast-paced world, social media is the becoming the way many communicate and share messages, both personally and professionally. Information and communication is instant and immediate. At LAUP, we realize that communication via social media is growing in importance on a daily basis to our audience. As such, did you know you can follow LAUP on Facebook and Twitter?

It's the kids. We do it for the kids. And that is where your donation goes: to programs, classrooms and quality education that directly benefits the kids of Los Angeles County. Your investment in the children of our community pays a lifetime of positive returns. Your donation, no matter what size, helps another child move that much closer to obtaining a high-quality preschool education, which prepares them for a successful future thanks to the proven benefits of preschool education. On behalf of all the children of LAUP, we thank you for your donation and welcome you to the LAUP family.