Tony's Holiday Gift

[Debra]

From Brad Skidmore @ ATS

Season's greetings! Yes, believe it or not, it's that time of year
again, and for you ATS veterans, you know why I am writing. And for
those of you who are new to the ATS family this year, I wanted to
share with you a holiday tradition that we ATS "long-timers" have
carried on for many years now -- the annual holiday gift for Tony. It
goes without saying, but Tony really is a "one-man show" that operates
on as lean a budget as possible so that we all can benefit from his
wonderful talent and inspiration as a teacher and coach without having
to pay exorbitant rates like those charged by other gyms and training
facilities for classes that don't come close to what we get from Tony,
let alone by other professional trainers who don't have half the
knowledge or skill, much less personal commitment to our well-being as
does Tony. And unlike many of us who are fortunate enough to receive
a raise or bonus as a measure and expression of appreciation for our
work throughout the year (EVEN in this economy!), Tony doesn't operate
ATS to generate profits or cash reserves to pay out as a bonus or
dividend to himself come year-end -- if anything, he charges far too
little for the service, friendship and support he provides each of us
day in, day out, giving much of his personal time away for the sheer
love of helping others excel. That's where all of us come in.

As in year's past, we are asking you to join in making a contribution
in whatever dollar amount you feel appropriate so that we can show
Tony just how much he means to us and how much we appreciate the hard
work and commitment he shows to us throughout the year. Please note
that the amount you contribute will not be disclosed to Tony (or
anyone else, for that matter), so there's no reason to worry that
people will judge you by the amount you give. All that we ask is that
you give from the heart -- and forget about that last really
miserable, 4 x 120 class Tony put you through -- only because he knew
you needed it!

Last year's support was overwhelming, with roughly half of the people
contacted contributing. This year, I know we can do better -- but we
need your help. As a start, please take a moment to look through the
list of email addresses above and forward this message to anyone whom
you know is a "Tony disciple" but was not included on the list. Next,
please join me in making a real difference in Tony's life, just like
he has done for each of us.

If you have questions, please let me know. Otherwise, please feel
free to send your contributions to me at the address listed below or
leave them at ATS in an envelope with my name on it, as I am by there
several times a week. Better yet, come to my Saturday morning spin
class (6:30-8:30 a.m.) and deliver it to me personally. The plan is
to present Tony with a check in between the morning classes on
Wednesday, Dec. 24, so please don't wait.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and generosity, and let's
all make this a wonderful holiday season for Tony!

Happy Holidays,

Brad