Ladies and Gentlemen:

As you may be aware, George Hittner, some other concerned citizens, and I started the Fire Fighter's Foundation of Houston last year. We had learned that most other major cities had foundations that supported their local fire departments and felt Houston should do so as well.

We held our first fire fighter appreciation dinner last year on September 11, where we raised over $300,000. Using these proceeds, we were able to purchase equipment for the HFD that had not been able to get into the City's budget. This equipment included burglar bar cutters, devices to measure fire fighter's blood oxygen and infrared cameras used to find victims. In addition, we are supporting the Department's honor guard and bagpipe corps.

The Foundation will be holding the second annual dinner on September 11, 2007. I am honored that Jane Page of Crescent Properties will be co-chairing the dinner this year, to be held at the Wortham Center. It will be a wonderful evening and a chance for Houstonians to show their appreciation for those heroes who routinely risk their lives for us and our families.

I encourage you to consider joining us in this tribute by supporting the event with your attendance and donations. Details regarding the event are available on www.fffhouston.com.

Hope to see you there.