do you love Hype of the Week? Listen up.

For my readers who enjoy my Hype of the Week during racing season -- I Just heard this AWFUL story on the news:

The color guard at North Salem High School (in Salem, Oregon) has just suffered a devastating loss of equipment and uniforms due to a fire in their storage room. The fire, which appears to have started under suspicious circumstances, set off the sprinkler system in the adjoining band room, soaking sheet music, instruments and cases; and the smoke and fire totally destroyed the color guard's flags, poles and uniforms -- most of which were already pretty old and some of which cannot be replaced. The kids are in the middle of their indoor winter competitive season.

Here's the deal:

1. North Salem serves a part of the city in which many students come from lower income households. Studies have shown repeatedly that students who participate in extra-curricular activities (like music, drama and sports) are far more likely to have greater academic success in school and are far less likely to get into trouble after school. Color guard is an activity that gives kids a creative and physical outlet (think of it as a sort of sport set to music -- it's mentally and physically demanding) and is a source of pride for the entire school.

2. The color guard at this school operates on a shoestring budget and does not have a "nest egg" from which to draw funds to restore the lost items.

3. The guard has its next performace in just two weeks. Right now they may have to appear in school clothes and wave broom handles. Not good.

So I'm asking you -- fans of Hype of The Week -- to help me pitch in and help these kids out.

Send a check to:

North Salem High School
765 14th Street N. E.
Salem, OR 97301

Make sure you put "Color Guard" nice and big in the memo line so they know what it's for.
I'm sending a check off first thing in the morning. Any amount will help these kids so if you love Hype of the Week, consider becoming part of Help of the Week.

Bikelovejones thanks you.