I WANT TO INVITE YOU TO MY PARTY!!!!

 As you probably know, I have officially left office as Director of the Xavier Society for the Blind.

 But the formal farewell is going to be a dinner cruise party on

 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

The Place – Pier 62, at 23^rd Street, Chelsea Piers, on board the ATLANTICA

 It’s a dinner cruise, with an outdoor deck (for those who want to smoke or get fresh air), an open bar (for those who might want to lift a glass to say goodbye), a buffet dinner (so people can eat what they want when they want) and a terrific band for dancing (on the upper deck, so people eating on the lower deck can still have a conversation without shouting).

 Tickets are $160 – unless you wait too long, because after October 5 the price goes up to $175.

Specific reservations are only for tables of ten purchased under a single name. All other seating is open, as you arrive.

6:30 PM – Boarding starts

7:00 PM – Ships sails (Don’t be late, unless you can walk on water!)

10:00 – Ship docks

10:30 – Last people must be off the ship

 There is parking on the pier, but buses also run across 23^rd Street and drop you off.

If you can’t come – DON’T BUY A TICKET!!

Sometimes people want to help support an event and know they can’t come so they buy a ticket. When you do that, the money goes to the boat or the caterer or the band – and the Xavier Society for the Blind doesn’t get anything.

 If you can’t come – MAKE A GIFT!

You can buy an ad in the program, you can become a Sponsor, or you can just contribute to the Xavier Society (and in that case, it’s fully tax-deductible). There is a card enclosed that lists the ad rates for the program and the Sponsorship levels – and if you are a sponsor and can’t come, the tickets you are entitled to can be donated and we will use them for clients and others who would not otherwise be able to come. You can buy tickets or contribute by sending in the enclosed card, or calling the office, or going to the special web page created just for this event, at http://bit.ly/28S8wtl.

 If you have any questions, please call (212 473-7800). The waters in October tend to be very calm, the band is wonderful, the food is terrific – and after all, it’s

FATHER JOHN’S FAREWELL BASH!!!

I am Father John, and I approve this message. And I sincerely hope you will be able to join us for my last official moment with the Xavier Society for the Blind.

 I hope I’ll see you on board!