Ann Kahn of Kahn Mechanical in Dallas - and a contractor consultant forThe News- has written a letter to those in the HVACR community asking for assistance in efforts to provide heating and cooling to those in need.

Here is her letter:

"Many of you have heard me talk about the Community Services Foundation for a long time now. CSF was established as a 501(c)(3) corporation by the North Texas Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America to provide critically needed heating and cooling assistance to elderly/disabled, low-income homeowners.

"While there are agencies and organizations offering assistance to our elderly, low-income community, there is a great lack of services when it comes to meeting their heating and air conditioning needs. As you know, weather in North Texas can be brutal, and each year people lose their lives - many because they simply don't have safe, operable heating and/or cooling systems in their homes. Our mission is to meet their needs. (Please visit our Web site www.csfonline.org for an in-depth picture of CSF services.)

"I would like to offer you a chance to help out. CSF relies heavily on donations from individuals and companies. Accordingly, fund raising is a full time endeavor. This year, however, rather than simply ask you for a donation, we've decided to present you with an opportunity. In connections with CSF's annual fundraising Gala, CSF is selling raffle tickets for a $5,000 Visa Gift Card. Tickets are sold individually for $50 each and there are a maximum of 500 tickets that will be sold. If you do the math, you will see that your odds of winning as astronomically better that buying a lottery ticket, and your money will be put to good use.

"With temperatures hovering near 100 degrees F here in north Texas, your raffle ticket purchase will help CSF expand the much needed "Beat the Heat" program. The drawing will be held on Friday, Nov. 18, 2005, at CSF's 6th Annual Gala, Putting on the Ritz, which will be held in downtown Dallas at Union Station. You don't have to be present to win, but you do have to buy a ticket. Please show your support by purchasing a ticket today! You can help us "Beat the Heat" in the summer and "Heat the Town" in the winter.

"Checks should be made payable to the Community Services Foundation and mailed to me c/o Kahn Mechanical Contractors, 2787 Irving Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207. When I receive your check, I'll send you your ticket and turn in the stub for the drawing. Don't hesitate to call (214-631-1010 or 214-526-2808) or e-mail me (annkahn@kahnmechanical) if you have any questions.

"On behalf of CSF and the many, many people we have helped, thank you for your generosity and support."

Publication date: 08/15/2005