Riders of the Storm
The good news is that a generous benefactor has pledged to match every cash gift received in 2008 to help build the landmark Tower at Wizard Academy, so we only have to raise $300,000 instead of $600,000.
The bad news is that we have to raise $300,000.
If ever you feel that you're getting too big for your britches, if ever you feel your head swelling, if ever you believe you could use a dose of humility, just volunteer to raise money for something important to you.
Sigh.
My prayer is that the last of the money needed to finish the campus at Wizard Academy will be raised before the end of 2008. Believe me when I tell you that giving money is a whole lot easier than asking for it.
Thank You, all who have given, for helping the light grow brighter at the end of this long tunnel. I apologize if it feels like I'm always trying to get in your pocket.
I suppose even the best of plans get modified, but you must at least have a plan to get started.
Here's my plan for raising the last $300,000 the academy needs to construct the most amazing building ever built in the history of the world:
1. Three givers of $50,000 apiece are going to receive $89,800 apiece in cool benefits, including (1.) a private, 3-day Wizard Academy experience for themselves and up to 15 friends, employees or associates of their choosing, and (2.) a 1-day public speaking or consulting appearance by Roy H. Wiliams in the city of their choice (North America only,) and (3.) a floor of the tower forever known by their name. For complete details click the links at the bottom of the Get Involved page at WizardAcademy.org
2. Four givers of $20,000 apiece are going to receive a private, 2-day Wizard Academy experience for themselves and up to 15 friends, employees or associates of their choosing, OR 2 days of private planning, research and ad writing by the Wizard of Ads in Austin, Texas. (No travel, Sorry.)
Choose either the $50,000 gift or the $20,000 gift and you'll make back multiples of what you gave.
3. Seventy givers of $1,000 apeice will forever be known as Riders of the Storm, their names displayed in hot-cast bronze on the McInnis Star Deck of the Tower.
Why did I pick the name Riders of the Storm?
Because you were the ones who witnessed the storm of the Academy's creation, forever believing in what you saw from afar. You are the ones who endured, the ones who didn't go away. You are they who soared on the wings of imagination before there was any evidence to support your faith.
Therefore it only seems fitting that your names should be rememered in bronze at that most visionary of spots on campus, the McInnis Stardeck Observatory.
That's why I chose the name.
Roy H. Williams