I am writing today on behalf of the University Heights Collaborative to enthusiastically invite your association to join us as we recruit volunteers for “ReTree the District,” a project that aims to plant 1000 trees across Buffalo’s University District over the next two years. Our first planting is scheduled for November 1, 2014 and approximately 250 trees will be planted. We have a goal of recruiting up to 500 volunteers for planting on this date.

We hope that GSA can recruit around 30 volunteers for this event, in the event that you are interested in participating.
The project is a partnership between a variety of community groups and institutions, including the University Heights Collaborative, the University District Block Club Coalition, the Bailey Avenue Business Association, Buffalo Promise Neighborhood, the University at Buffalo, Buffalo Green Fund, and others. This project will bring a large number of volunteers to the district, encourage a greater level of neighborhood connection and interaction, and beautify a neighborhood that often suffers the negative effects of neighbor anonymity, media stereotypes, and concentrated poverty.

If you would like to help recruit volunteers from your organization, please reply with the number of volunteers you believe you can recruit. Recruiting volunteers for this initiative has never been easier – volunteers can sign up with a few simple text messages, by email, or by visiting an online sign up form.

1) Text “ReTree” to 877-877 and follow the instructions (easiest option)
2) Visit http://ow.ly/AicOu to sign up
3) Email uhtl@ourheights.org with your name, phone number, and affiliation

As active members of the University District community, I am excited to invite you to participate in this opportunity. I look forward to your response to this message, and please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or comments. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Czekaj
ReTree the District Team Leader
npczekaj@buffalo.edu