Greetings,

Fellow Pilots and Flight Attendants of Alaska & Horizon Airlines 
 
We communicate with you today to ask for your help and assistance in keeping alive the memory of Capt. Ted Thompson, First Officer Bill Tansky, Flight Attendants Craig Pulanco, Kristin Mills and Allison Shanks; as well as the other Alaska and Horizon employees and passengers who lost their lives in the tragic accident of Alaska Flight 261.
 
In an effort to honor and memorialize all who were tragically associated with the events of that day, a Thompson-Tansky web sitevery positive and meaningful foundation was formed to "Give Wings to Bright New Futures through Education", The Thompson-Tansky Memorial Foundation. From the first event in April of 2001 ALPA and AFA have provided major support for this event. To date the foundation has funded 75 scholarships worth over $95,000 to deserving employees and dependants of Alaska and Horizon Airlines. There have been many testimonials from these fine individuals in appreciation of the help our scholarships have brought them in achieving their life goals and ambitions.
 
As we write today, the Foundation is struggling in its ability to raise the necessary funds to continue its honorable mission.   The sole source of funding for the entire foundation has been produced by the proceeds generated by the annual Thompson-Tansky Spring Classic.  This year the event is struggling to reach its funding goals and needs your immediate help to insure that the fine work of the foundation can continue on.
 
How can you help?  If at all possible please sign up for and attend the fabulous day's events on May 2nd at the beautiful and conveniently located Pacific Palms Resort in Southern California.  We still have slots available for golf and tennis or if you can't make those, we have room for the evening Dinner Dance. During dinner you will have the opportunity to bid on our live and silent auctions featuring Mexico, Hawaii vacations, gift baskets, jewelry, Mariner Skybox tickets and many other items. We have collectively decided to hold the entry fees at the original $175 for Golf, $85 for Tennis and $45 for dinner. If you are unable to join in the fun personally, then please consider buying a golf ball for the famous Helicopter Ball Drop.  It only costs $20 (or 6 balls for $100) to join in the fun and the lucky winner will receive a check for $2,000!!!  If the event can completely sell out the 1,000 golf balls to be dropped from the helicopter, all the operating expenses for the entire event will have been covered;  leaving all of the revenue generated by entrance fees, sponsors, auctions, and donations going straight to the bottom line. 
 
In addition, this year for the first time, every employee can sign up for a direct donation to be deducted from their pay check. To set up a payroll deduction for the Scholarship Fund, log into PeopleSoft and select Self Service > Payroll and Compensation > Voluntary Deductions, and click on the "Add Deduction" button. Click the magnifying glass next to the box titled "Type of Deduction" and select a flat amount to be deducted from each paycheck and a date for the deduction to begin.
 
All the information, sign up forms, scholarship applications, and details can be found on the Foundation's website - www.ThompsonTansky.com.  Please take a few minutes right now...while it is fresh in your mind....to insure the memory of all associated with the events of that tragic day continue on in a positive and meaningful way.
 
We truly thank you for your much needed support.
 
The Thompson Tansky Spring Classic Organizing Committee

Capt. Bob Sheldon; Retired Capts. Skip Massey, John Moore, Chuck Ward; and F/O Todd Hunter