Link announcement #6A

Bonds of Gold - ring donation

Announcement #6 outlined the concept of the "Bond of Gold" event associated with the Link program. Generally, the activity involves donated Class of 59 rings or miniatures being melted down and mixed into the gold used to make the Class of 2009 rings. This activity truly establishes a lasting bond between the two classes of 1959 and 2009. Please see announcement #6 for overall details of the concept.

This is our official call for rings. Any classmate or widow wishing to make a donation of a ring please let me know of your tentative decision. At this time, we are trying to determine the possible number of participants. All realize the special significance and emotion associated with this action, and reconsideration may be made at any time. Guidance on when and where to send the rings will be forwarded to all who volunteer to participate in this important and meaningful activity. Also, information will be provided concerning the write-up about the owner which will be presented to every member of the Class of 2009 during the Ring Dance.

I have worked with the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation and Alumni Associatioin to introduce a new feature in the donation program this year. Specifically, those who wish to contribute a Class of 59 ring or miniature to support this activity and wish to earn a charitable deduction for their gift will be able to do so. The Foundation is ironing out the specifics now. All interested should understand that a gift of real property such as a ring carries certain requirements for the donor and these will be defined clearly as soon as the Foundation/Association work out the details. In general, it appears the donor must establish a value for the ring such as by an appraisal; a receipt of the donation will be provided to the donor for tax purposes. Full details concerning this approach will be forwarded to each donor, along with the guidance on when and where to send the rings.

Ring donations will be required to be received in the Spring 2007 in about March.

Marty Finerty, 59 Link coordinator; tel: 410-849-2502; email: mjfna59@comcast.net