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Over the past year I have had a wonderful opportunity to work with Maharaji, facilitating the organization of his work in North America. I have seen first hand that the continued growth of this work depends upon the willingness of a broad base of people to stand behind it with their time, efforts and financial support. The North American Sponsorship Program is being initiated by many people who share that same recognition. It is designed as the primary means for channeling support for this work. As shown in the brochure, 1986 was a banner year for the spreading of Knowledge. As 1987 begins, Maharaji is making plans to continue the growth and development of his work world-wide. He has also said that he is considering a new approach for spending more time with people who have already received Knowledge. Financial support grew during 1986 as well. Of particular significance were the efforts made towards the acquisition of a Lear 55 aircraft, a tool which will greatly facilitate Maharaji's ability to reach people on every continent. As I write this letter we are close to completing the acquisition of a specific plane. (Please see the enclosed letter from the Lear 55 Acquisition Committee for the current status of that project.) Our financial goal for this year is to establish a base of monthly support strong enough to cover the costs of the presentation of Knowledge in North America and the ongoing operation and maintenance of the soon-to-be acquired Lear 55. The total budget for supporting this work in 1987 is approximately $ 125,000 per month. As you can see from the attached chart of gifts, thousands of contributions of all sizes and amounts can combine to provide what is needed. It is my conviction that if each one of us who wants to see Maharaji's work expand contributes regularly at a level within our own means, we can reach our financial goals. I would also like to express my personal appreciation to all those whose financial participation as well as contributions of time and effort have made possible the growth of this work in 1986. Your support has been very sincerely appreciated, and we look forward to what we can all do together in 1987. Yours sincerely, William N. Wishard
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LEAR 55 ACQUISITION COMMITTEE We are happy to announce that the project launched last Fall to acquire a Lear 55 aircraft is now only a step away from completion. Thanks to the efforts and support of over 4,000 people from around the world, approximately $ l,100,000 has now been placed as down payment on a relatively new Lear 55, the total cost of which including modifications for long range flying is just over $ 4,000,000. Bank financing for $ 2,500,000 has also been secured. As some of you know, it was only after years of experience and research that a Lear 55 was determined to be the plane with the optimal combination of range capabilities, economy, and size for Maharaji's tours. Maharaji has personally conducted a test flight of this particular plane and has expressed delight with its performance. Some people, including those who have only recently heard about this project, have asked if it is still possible to contribute. The answer is an emphatic yes! In fact, to complete the acquisition of the aircraft there is still $ 218,000 needed before the delivery date, scheduled for early March, to cover both the initial payment for long range modifications and the closing costs. An additional $ 206,000 will be needed in May to complete the modifications. Anyone who would still like to participate may do so by enclosing in the pledge envelope a check made out to Elan Vital and marked " plane ". Your participation to complete this project will play an essential part in providing this important step forward in Maharaji's work. We would like to express our sincerest appreciation to all of those whose combined gifts have brought this project to this point. We will continue to keep you informed of the progress as it evolves. Sincerely, William N. Wishard |
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North American Sponsorship Program |
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ELAN VITAL P.0. BOX 6130 MALIBU, CA
90264 Dear Friends, As we approach the start of both a new year and a new decade, it is amazing to realize that never before has Maharaji traveled so much and spoken to so many people in so many places over such a short period of time. During the 3 months following the Festival of Knowledge, Maharaji has conducted over 24 separate events in 16 countries on 6 continents. And still to come before year end are 2 major international events: a 3-day program November 7 - 9 outside of New Delhi, India: and another 3-day Festival of Knowledge, this time in Brussels, Belgium on December 8 - 10. Maharaji's increasingly extensive travels have bean made possible in large part by the acquisition of a Lear 55 jet. Three years ago, a worldwide effort was initiated to purchase such a plane, and within several months, in March of 1987, the generosity of thousands of individuals from ail over the globe had combined to raise enough money to make the down payment. The balance due on the plane ($ 2.5 million) was financed with a bank loan, secured in part by Maharaji's Malibu residence. Each month since then, a significant portion of the total amount contributed by sponsors from fifty different countries has gone to reduce that debt. This coming March, a balloon payment on the Lear loan will be due, meaning that the balance owed (approximately $ 1.4 million) will either need to be paid in full or refinanced for several more years. Although it would probably be possible to refinance the loan because of the excellent payment record, many people from around the world who have been supporting the project are hoping that we could retire the debt completely. This would have two major advantages. First, it would eliminate the enormous interest payment (approximately $ 150,000 per year-over $ 500,000 to date) and could thus free up funds for other important projects. Further, it would eliminate the risk that the loan places on Maharaji's U.S, residence, A resolve to repay the loan was therefore made last December at the International Organizers' Conference in New Delhi, attended by Maharaji. Obviously everyone's help is needed to make this project successful. Enclosed you will find a ca rd providing for initial contributions by December 5 , with additional amounts to be pledged for payment by February 21. Many contributors played a significant role in the original acquisition of this aircraft, while many more have since joined in supporting its ongoing operation. It is hoped that still more will join in a global effort finally to gain outright title to the aircraft. Gifts both large and small are welcome and necessary (contributions toward the Lear down payment ranged from $ 5 to $ 50,000). To continue the operations of the aircraft and the ongoing expenses of Maharaji's work, the Sponsorship Program in 1990 will be more Important than ever, since revenues from events such as the Festival of Knowledge and Rejoice will most likely no longer be available to supplement sponsors' regular contributions, but will instead go towards reducing registration fees. The current level of sponsors' support averages about 35°/ less than the monthly need. Since repaying the Lear loan will only reduce the budget by about 10°b, closing that gap will be a major priority in the new year. We are therefore asking that sponsors consider their contributions towards the Lear purchase to be above and beyond pledges already made through the Sponsorship Program. Given the number of people providing regular financial support in the U.S., an average gift of $ 200 per person contributed sometime during the next four months would allow the U,S. to more than meet its share of the worldwide pledge. As you will see from the following sample Chart of Gifts, though, donations in the range of $ 500, $ 1,000, $ 5,000, $ 10,000 and over will also be needed since not everyone will be able to send $ 200. CHART OF GIFTS - EXAMPLE 1 donor x $ 50,000 = $ 50,000 Many cities will be holding meetings in the near future at which time more information about this project will be available. Please refer to your local calendars or schedules for details. In the meantime, any questions may be directed to your community organizer, or write: "Plane Project," c/o ElanVital, P.O. Box 6130, Malibu, CA90264. With manythanks for your support, Sincerely, |
