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Railroad Education And Learning Center of Florida, Inc.
(941) 758-3602 Street Address 6730 G 15th Street East Sarasota, FL 34270 Mailing Address PO Box 239 Tallevast, FL 34270
Why are railroads important in the 21st Century?
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Before we ask you to join with us in our efforts, we would like you to think for a moment about non-profit organizations in general. Why do organizations
like ours exist? There are many reasons, but primarily they come into being because
a particular need is not being met adequately through any other means. They exist
to increase awareness of that need or problem, drawing public, professional, and
governmental attention to a unique situation. Non-profit organizations then apply that public
awareness to effect change. Worthy endeavors in the form of non-profit organizations
abound. Those that seek to preserve our history, protect our environment, others that champion social causes,
or lift the human spirit. All worthy in their own right. Our government cannot allocate
the resources to every worthy cause which exists. Professional associations in the
arts, sciences, medicine, education, etc. also cannot meet the demands of every
need, even within the more finely tuned scope of their efforts.
Non-profit organizations attempt to fill these voids, and their efforts and contributions have been profound. They have preserved who we are, protected endangered species, preserved habitats and wilderness, championed the rebirth of inner cities and provided opportunities for the underserved and the less privileged of the worlds populations. They have fed the hungry and moved governments to change. Of course many more positives could be added to this list, but their most important contribution is more subtle, they give voice to those who alone may not be heard. When an idea or cause is acted on by a chorus of voices speaking in unison, it will be heard. The individual voice, amplified through a foundation becomes the catalyst for change and empowerment, the creator of hope, and the general improvement of the quality of our existence. People become involved in organizations for a simple reason. They share a common value with the goals and visions of the organization. Through their association, they add their voice, their time, and money to a cause which speaks to their own individual value system. In a world where the focus frequently seems to be on the selfish enrichment of individuals and personal consumerism, those who join with a cause set themselves apart. When you hear of a organizations success in a particular endeavor, it is in reality, the thousands of private individual voices of their members whose synergistic contributions have effected that change. While organizations and their causes often are able to accomplish a particular goal through the benevolence of a major corporate partner, or private individual with the financial independence to altruistically further that effort, most financial support arrives in thousands of small increments. The individual memberships and small donations of concerned and more importantly, involved, private individuals allow a non-profit organization to carry out both its mission and vision. We ask you to join with us in our efforts to educate the public and to preserve the rich history of Southwest Florida. We ask you to add your voice to those encouraging the preservation of the Railroad History of Florida. Through your membership and donations, you will contribute to all our goals. You will become a partner and a voice in a chorus for the preservation of our home. |
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The Railroad Education and Learning Center of Florida and The Sarasota Model Railroad Club, Inc. are public charities with a 501(c)3 non profit designation with the IRS. Contributions to The Sarasota Model Railroad Club, Inc. are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Contact Us: RealRail Info
Railroad Education And Learning Center of Florida, Inc.
PO Box 239 Tallevast, FL 34270 (941) 758-3602 |