Vava Marques Legal Fund: Contributions toward Legal Expenses of the Foothill Litigation

Goal: $25,000

Current Contributions: $2,470 (as of Dec 20, 2007)

Some of you may or may not be aware that Vava Marques, our favorite soccer coach, recently concluded his 5-year employment litigation against Foothill College. The parties settled through mediation in October.  In addition to aggressively pursuing this matter on his own behalf, Vava steadfastly supported his soccer players who were subjected to discriminatory behavior from the opposing team and subsequently from a contentious Foothill administration.  Through this process, his players learned the importance of standing up for their rights, and gained self-confidence from Vava’s litigation pursuit.  However, the litigation has been consuming and exhaustive, which has clearly taken a toll.

Vava was very satisfied with the outcome, including recognition of his player's rights, but Vava’s legal expenses exceeded the cost of the settlement by $25,000.  He was wronged by the Foothill administration and we are seeking to provide further support.  Vava’s pride makes him hesitant to ask for money, but he acknowledges our help would be very much appreciated.  With a target of $25,000 in mind, we are appealing to Vava's many friends and supporters.  We are starting to fundraise to help Vava pay his remaining legal bill.

More importantly, this will allow him more time to focus on current and future youth development.  While many of you know Vava feels his reward in his wealth of friendships, we would also like him to be less burdened with expenses and loans.  We appeal to the many times Vava has given of self to you or your child. His joyful reminders to pursue soccer as fun, his drive and effort to teach skills integral to success, and his never forgetting the dignity afforded to all persons as the right thing to do.

We've shared Vava’s passion for soccer, and value him as a local treasure within our own community.  This fundraising effort is to give Vava a renewed spirit to continue his positive soccer and character influence on our youth.

Checks should be made out to: "Vava Marques Legal Fund"
Note contributions are not tax-deductible.
Please mail to:  Charlie Williams, 310 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Email contact: Charlie Williams <chas_williams@yahoo.com>

To encourage your generosity, a benevolent contributor has offered to match the first $1,500.00 donations until through Jan 31, 2008.  This means a $50 donation will be matched and become $100 towards Vava’s legal fees.  As of December 1st, Vava has already received donations from $25 to $1500, so please consider that any amount is appreciated.  Look for website updates on:  vavamarques.com

Thank you for your consideration & Happy Holidays!