April 21, 2020
Dear fellow chess enthusiasts and friends of the NCC,
We are all muddling through strange times, hit by a double whammy. A nasty virus that threatens our health and the safety of our public and personal spaces, and the economic catastrophe that is rapidly unfolding. The latter means the tragedy of millions of unemployed workers. Folks all around us have had their livelihoods upended.
The economic collapse brings the inequalities in our society into sharp relief. Some of us have stable jobs, can work online, and our income and livelihoodsseem secure. I count myself among the lucky ones. Sure, my retirement fund lost huge value, but so did everyone else’s, and that money should come back over time.
If you are in the lucky group, as I am, my words below are for you.
Every month, during normal times, I save $X/month. If you are with me in the lucky group, you too normally have your monthly savings. My suggestion is simple: Use that $X to help. Sure, it is times like these that make us think that we need to prepare for an uncertain future and save as much as possible. But it is also times like these that make us realize that we are in this together, that we need each other, and that we have to pull our weights twice as hard as usual.
As a result of the economic situation, our beloved chess club is in the red. Its future is at risk. Imagine what it would be like for you if the NCC went under. I would personally feel heartbroken, but the consequences for Todd, Tiffany, and other friends would be worse, I don’t think I need to explain why.
Raising funds right nowis crucial for the club’s future, precisely at a time when raising funds is hardest. That’s why the club has implemented a life membership option for $1,000. I am buying it, and I invite you, if you can, to do the same. About 20 life memberships would buy the club essential months of a needed financial respite.
I am aware that there is a need for financial support from all of the building blocks of our Nashville community and beyond. You may decide that your money needs to go to other places that need urgent financial help. That’s fair. I am grateful if you just share my belief that the money you usually save should go to help others right now. Keep in mind that there is extra value in a life membership though. The value comes from the fact that it is a life membership! You would be helping by buying. It’s just that the club needs some urgent buying right now.
Thank you for reading.
All the best to everyone,
Mariano Sana, PhD
National Master
NCC member since 2010