I am sure that at least once you have asked your self "why should I become a SADCO member?". Or, "what benefits do I get by becoming a SADCO member?". What would motivate me and my family to pay $60/year to become member? Certainly, I asked my self this question seven years ago when I arrived in Indianapolis with my family. The first thing I did was to ask about SADCO people and get to know SADCO's activities and events. But what mattered most to me was to know what SADCO's Mission and Vision Statement was all about. What were SADCO's goals? And that mostly answered the question. Now that I am the president of SADCO, I would respond to any who asks me this question with the similar indications to those I used seven years ago, and I would add the following:

SADCO is an open, non-for-profit organization that offers anyone that wonderful opportunity to feel an active part of the betterment of his/her local community and our con-nationals, and contribute in some way to aid those in need and less priviledged. The human being is always questioning himself as "what can I do to have a more meaninful effect?". SADCO provides anyone with this opportunity. Of course, there are many other options. However, if you have ever thought about a good way to help with a little contribution to the least priviledeged ones, well, SADCO may be that way. SADCO has clearly demonstrated during its twenty years of life an outstanding organizational capability, a transparent management of resources, a significant impact on the community, and a strong and productive relationship with government officials and the public in general in Central Indiana.

SADCO is based on three fundamental priorities that frame its life and function: EDUCATION, CHILDREN, and CULTURE. SADCO unbelievably has been able to give more than $35,000 in scholarships to Hispanic young students who have decided and demonstrated to pursue college degrees. This is a result of SADCO's highest priority: EDUCATION. SADCO has created simple but effective programs to aid Hispanic children locally and in Colombia (and other Latin American nations). SADCO has brought to Indianapolis area excellent, high quality cultural events as a result of its critical institutional goal to promote and preserve Latin-Hispanic cultural heritage.

SADCO offers its members, additional to this incredible opportunity for personal fulfillment, discounts to its renown GALA, recreational events and awards to members' children, scholarships and discounts to specialized conferences and courses, discounts to sports and social events in which SADCO has been an organizing partner or through its sponsors, and many other more benefits. Oh, did I forget to mention that the fee of $60/family o $45/individual is deductible from your tax return?

I invite you to visit our website www.sadco.org and get to know what SADCO is about and what its goals are. Please, do not hesitate to contact SADCO if you have any questions. Thanks

SADCO announces eight $1,200 Scholarships for Hispanic students for accademic year 2005-2006 according to the following guidelines:

• ACHIEVEMENT based (4 scholarships)
• NEED based (4 scholarships)

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS will be based on the following:

• GPA between 3.6 and 4.0 on a "4" point scale
• Community Service
• Positive leadership ability
• Demonstrated Responsibility

NEED AWARDS will be based on the following:

• GPA 3.0 or above on a "4" point scale
• Actual need based on APPLICANT and PARENTS' 2004 Federal Tax Returns
• Verifiable unusual, unique, or mitigating circumstances

Elegibility Criteria

• Must be Hispanic 1st, 2nd, or 3d generation
• Must be a resident of Indiana
• Must be a High School Senior or a Freshman or Sophomore in college
• Must be accepted by an accredited college/university
• Must pursue associate or bachelor degree
• Must complete application process.

Aplication Process

• A SIGNED LETTER OF APPLICATION stating why you should receive a scholarship must be received NOT LATER THAN APRIL 30, 2005, addressed to SADCO Scholarship Selection Committee, C/O Hector Perez, 7036 Hampstead Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46256 (USA).
• BE SURE YOU SHOW YOUR FULL NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER.
• The application letter, written in English, must be accompanied by at least ONE (1) recommendation from an instructor or academic counselor of the applicant AND an official copy of high school or college transcripts. ALL LETTERS MUST BE SIGNED.
• The application letter must include applicant's/parents Hispanic country of origin.
• Applicant may submit one (1) additional supportive letter, which must be signed.
• Applicant may be scheduled for an interview with the Selection Committee. Please include a telephone number where you can be reached during the day or evening hours.
• APPLICANT OF "NEEDS" AWARD MUST SUBMIT HIS/HER 2004 FEDERAL INCOME TAX return AS WELL AS THEIR PARENTS.

We will be raffling two sets of two tickets (4 tickets) valued at $192.00 for the Beef and Board dinner theater for the renowned Broadway Musical 42nd STREET that will be shown 15 May 2005 at 12:00 Noon. SADCO HAS RESERVED A PRIVIELEDGED, EXCELLENT LOCATION FOR THESE SEATS.

Chances for this raffle may be purchased at the minimum cost of only $10.00 a chance. Each chance will entitle the person an opportunity to win one set of two tickets. There will be two drawings.

The raffle will take place on 23rd of April 2005 during the regular SADCO membership meeting.

By now you must be saying how I can buy chances for this interesting raffle for such a great cause and at such low cost. The answer is very simple. As soon as you finish reading this message grab your checkbook, make a check payable to: SADCO (Spring Raffle) for as many chances as you want (only $10.00 a chance) and send it to:

SADCO
P.O. Box 1141
Carmel, IN 46082