Dear Friend,

Thank you for visiting our web site to learn more about The Lake Drive Foundation, the importance of early intervention for babies with hearing loss and The Sound Start and Ivy Nursery Programs.

Because state funding covers less than one third of the cost of essential Sound Start services, The Lake Drive Foundation’s trustees, volunteers and I continue to devote ourselves to filling this funding gap. I hope you’ll join us in our efforts.

I urge you to make The Lake Drive Foundation a favorite charity that you follow and give to each year. You can also attend our fundraising events and shop online at more than 750 retailers through links on our web site to benefit the babies. You may even be at a time in your life when you can consider planned giving and leaving a legacy through The Duke Smith Endowment.

I have seen personally how Sound Start results are local, tangible, permanent and rewarding. Since 1969, Sound Start has helped more than 1,000 children with hearing loss on the path to life-long learning and success. Please share this information with friends, family and colleagues. While it is critical for us to fill the vast funding gaps, our mission includes raising awareness and being a resource for the community. We have also undertaken the new initiatives Precious Ears and Ivy Nursery to further improve outcomes for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. I look forward to updating you on these exciting new endeavors.

Finally, I want to personally invite you to visit a Sound Start Speech and Language Group Development Class and take a tour of The Lake Drive School to see what a meaningful difference your support makes in the lives of children with hearing loss. Simply complete the contact form on our "Contact Us" page to arrange a visit.

On behalf of the babies in The Sound Start Program, thank you for your generosity.