From: "David A. Black" <dblack@...>
Date: 2005-05-13T23:41:12+09:00
Subject: [ANN] Ruby Central, Inc. Donation and Pledge Site (including RubyConf sponsorship)

Dear Rubyists,

We are very pleased to announce the opening of the new:


           Ruby Central, Inc. Donation and Pledge Site

               (http://www.rubycentral.org/pledge)


At this site, you can:

   * make a general donation to Ruby Central, Inc.
   * sponsor or partially sponsor a specific RubyConf 2005
     item or activity (meals, t-shirts, and Matz's travel
     expenses)

General donations can be made directly by PayPal, or you can request that we
contact you first.  Conference sponsors will be contacted to discuss and
arrange pledge fulfillment.

For those of you new to Ruby and/or Ruby Central, Inc., here are a few
questions and answers to get you oriented:

What is Ruby Central, Inc.?

   Ruby Central, Inc. (RCI) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit
   organization, dedicated to Ruby advocacy and support of
   Ruby projects.

When was RCI founded, and by whom?

   The organzation was founded in 2002 by David Black, Chad Fowler,
   and Dave Thomas.  The current board of directors consists of
   David, Chad, and Rich Kilmer.

What projects does RCI support?

   Our biggest undertaking is the annual International Ruby Conference
   (RubyConf), which has taken place every year since 2001 and has been
   under the auspices of RCI since RCI's creation in 2002.

   RCI is also behind the 2004 Ruby Codefest Grant program.

What will RCI do in the future?

   More RubyConfs, hopefully more grant programs, and... well, many
   things are possible -- this is where your support comes in!


Thanks for your interest and support!


David Black
Chad Fowler
Rich Kilmer

for Ruby Central, Inc.