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lfrLsrtiu TBIlu* N,tAFLORIDA'S LEADERSHIP HONORARY s'NCf 7923

Office of the President

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Septernber 26,1997

Dear Alumni Member,

RE: Urgent Financial Request

On behalf of the active chapter, I would like to start by commending you on yourcontinued zupport to Florida Blue Key throughout the years. I hope all members havebeen kept up to date, through Keynotes, with the my.rad of activities being accomplishedby the membership. Currently, the 1997 Homecoming and Gator Growl events are beingcompleted. Because ofthe spectacular entertainment booked Howie Mandel and NewtGingnch, ffF y""t promises to be one of our best and we look forward to seeing youNovember 7e and 86.

While the chapter is performing the activities Blue Key is purposed to do dynamicaily,we have an on-going problem that has now moved beyond our control. A self-proclaimed anti-Blue Key zeaiot has brought, what our lawyen and Aiumni Advisoryboard cortend to be, a frivolous lawzuit against the chapter in hopes of destroying ourreputation and existence. The zuit alleges that Florida Blue Key was involved in atorlious defamation through the production and distribution of flyers during a studentgovernment election in eariy i995. As you know, Fiorida Blue Key as an organizationha-s never participated in SG elections, but since some active members were involved inthe electioq the plaintiffnamed Florida Blue Key, Inc. as a defendant.

The plaintiffs principle attorney is a widely known University ofFlorida law professor,Joe Little. The triai is set to begin Monday, Oaober 66, in the Circuit Court of AlachuaCounty before the Honorable Frederick D. Smith. Although Florida Blue Key's Motionfor Summary Judgement was heard by the Court, it has not yet been ruled upon. JudgeSmith at the pretrial conferenc€, indicated, that the decision ofwhether Florida Blue Keyis liable, may not be a decision forthe bench but perhaps should go to a jury because the

€ency relationship aileged most normally would be determined by the trier of fact.Accordingly, we must prepare for trial.

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This leads us to the crux of the matter. In attempting to defend our good rurme for overthe past two years,. Florida Blue key has paid out Szo]oo0 in attomey;s fees, and weexpe{ to pay another $20,000 to bring us through trial. This *oo.y has come directlyout ofour operating budget and the aeUt couia potentially Uantrupi*s 6hepter. Thisthreat is real, so the Alumni Advisory board has songluded that we must turn to our'lalumm ficr financial help.

To ensure the continued operation ofFlorida Blue Key, we are forced to ask tlrat eachalumni member qake a minimum contribution of $50 - $100 to assist in our legaldefense. Of course, any contribution exceeding tiat emount would be greatlyappreciated. Checks can be made out to Floridi Blue Key and mailsrjl ,riirrg the providedenvelope or to:

Florida Blue Key312J. Wayne Reitz UnionGainesville, Florida

32611

We reaiize this is a lot to aslq but the chapter needs its alumni's help. On behaif of theAlumni contributors and the active chapter, we thank you for your support. If you haveany questions, please contact me at the Florida BIue Key officl or

"ati at,rmni Advisory

member S. Daniel Ponce at305-579-1222.

Thank you for your zupporf--- /? n(r. ) *t/ u * O-{4^ '/f

Ronaid C. LaFace Jr. uPresident

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