Dear Sir,

I am very pleased to report to you, and your readers that The Committee of 25 Fundraising & Tag Day, a local registered charitable organisation #15, held our 57th annual Tag Day, Friday, August 19, 2011. We ask The Royal Gazette through the Letters to the Editor to publish our sincere thanks for the overwhelming and generous support we received from the Bermudian community. As this event makes it possible for us to assist children with special needs in our local community.

Our honour to accept the first donation from Governor Sir Richard Gozney KCMG and Lady Gozney, and for each and every donation so generously given by members of our community. We would also like to thank the many people who contributed to this significant total; our fabulous team of volunteers and canvassers, especially Willard Fox who has personally given his time and support tirelessly over the years. This tremendous response reflects the humanitarian spirit guiding the Bermudian public during these difficult economic times. It was made possible by the hours of services given so generously and freely by so many volunteers. Special thanks must be given to:

Taggers including:

Members of Hamilton Lions, Hamilton Rotary Club, HMS Customs as well as Friends from the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute.

Businesses, large and small, who permitted their staff members to collect on our behalf: ACE Group, Belco, Butterfield & Vallis, Conyers Dill & Pearman, Coldwell Banker, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Gorham's Home Centre, Marshall, Diel & Myers, Mello Jones & Martin, The Royal Gazette, The Spot Restaurant, Renaissance RE, Validus RE, XL Foundation, and Zurich International and the outlying districts:

The retail businesses, pharmacies, grocery stores, and banking institutions who allowed the use of their shop fronts. Those who, were unable to tag themselves, making individual donations instead; Corporate sponsors; and

Kavin Smith, Marathon Derby Winner, and supporter, Mia Page Shambray of Barritt's & Sons Limited, and staff members for providing liquid refreshments for our taggers during the warm weather.

Mr. Nicola Russo of La Trottoria Restaurant & Pizzeria and staff members for providing food provisions for our taggers. The Bermuda public who, year after year, assist us in helping children with special needs. We amassed a total of nearly $14,000.00.

We could not do it without you. Thank You!

MELANIE WHALEY (Mrs.),

Tag Day Co-ordinator