Okay, in this letter I am writing to a local news station. I'll just say channel 5.

To whom it may concern,

My name is Jessica, I am 16 years old and in eleventh grade. I have lived in this part of Tennessee all of my life and have grown up watching Channel 5 News. Most of my memories from childhood are my family and I going to local events sponsored by Channel 5, many of which were very enjoyable.

I am writing this letter because I am looking to be sponsored by Channel 5 News on an educational trip to France, Italy, and Malta. I will learn local customs and even live with a family in Malta for two days all while gaining a new prospective on international beliefs, customs, and education. I will also get to change the impression people have of American youth and in turn America itself.

I am going as a student ambassador with People to People. People to People was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, with help from many others, in 1956 to promote peace and understanding. People to People has been endorsed by many other presidents, including but not limited to: John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, William Clinton, George H. W. Bush, and President George W. Bush.

I will be making a significant contribution to the cause of peace if I was to go on this trip.

I have raised $2,540 to go on this trip but I am nowhere near the goal of $6,000, which would pay for airline tickets to and from, hotel stays, food, and for tours I will be taking into internationally famous buildings such as the Louvre and see the "Mona Lisa" then to Academia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's "David".

I would be very happy to volunteer at your next local events if you would help me with my trip or to write something about the trip itself for you to use in the news.

Yours truely,

Jessica.

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Ok, I personally don't like the last paragraph and I don't know how to broach the topic of me volunteering after I get back....

I also want to say something about how I could write an article for them to use about internation peace. I just don't know HOW to say it.

any suggestions??

Here's my draft please tell me what I should tweak or make more clear...

Dear (insert name),

    My name is Jessica, I am sixteen years old and in the eleventh grade. I have lived in the Memphis and surronding areas of Tennessee for all of my life and have grown up watching Channel 5 News (WMC-TV). Most of my memories from childhood are my family and me going to local events sponsored by WMC-TV, many of which were very enjoyable.
    I am writing this letter because I am looking to be sponsored by your company on an educational trip to France, Italy and Malta. I will learn local customs and even live with a family in Malta for a short period of time all while gaining a new prospective on international beliefs, customs, and education. I will also get to change the impression people have of America's youth and in turn, America itself. I would be making a significant contribution to the cause of peace if I was to go on this trip, as would your company.
    I am going as a Student Ambassador with People to People. People to People was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, with help from many others, in 1956 to promote international peace and understanding. People to People has been endorsed by many other presidents, including but not limited to: John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, William Clinton, George H. W. Bush and current President George W. Bush.
    In response to your donation I would be very happy to fully co-operate with any PR activities related to the sponsorship. Perhaps a brief report on local customs there and how they differ here, what beliefs or customs we share, and the funny look that they will give me when they notice my southern accent. Also, your company's contribution would further your image as a company who supports international peace.
    I have raised (X amount of money) by fundraising and asking for donations from friends and family but I am nowhere near the goal of $6,000. The $6,000 would pay for airline tickets to and from the destination, hotel stays, food and for behind the scene tours of museums such as The Louvre and to Academia Gallery. In turn, I will only ask for $2,000.
   
    I thank you before hand for considering me as a prospect.

                                            Yours truely,
                                                  Jessica

Jessica
(my number here)

******
I am still having trouble with introducing how much money I would hope for them to contribute. The $2000.