A MESSAGE FROM MARC

As many of you know, on September 26, 1996, Polly's convicted killer was sentenced to death. In the courtroom, he made comments that victimized our family without consideration for the consequences. So far as we know, this is the first time a psychopath has so blatantly displayed throughout his trial the sadistic characteristics that separate him from the mainstream of good, honest citizens. It is our fervent wish that society takes heed of this important lesson and forever shuts the door on such remorseless action.

Thank you for all your kind thoughts, encouragement, and support during this long and difficult year. We are deeply grateful to the many caring people, around the country and around the world, who have helped and continue to help in our healing process. Just knowing that America supports us in our quest to rid the streets of individuals like Polly's killer gives us the strength and the nourishment we need.

In this issue of the Klaas Action Review, we extend a special thank you to the many donors who, with cash, equipment, support, and services, have helped the cause of child safety in our country. They are listed on the donor list of this issue. We also profile Lynne Williams and Cheryl Foster, two donors with very special ways of raising money for the Foundation's work ( Creative Givers Helping Kids). The Klaas Foundation for Children is a tax deductible, nonprofit agency with no salaried employees, and we depend on individual donations, large and small, to continue our efforts to create a safe future for our children.

In addition, this issue introduces and provides further information on some of the causes upon which we plan to focus during the coming year. A federal amendment supporting victims' rights during the justice process is one way we can make sure criminals end up behind bars; programs like California's newest version of sex offender registration is another. The Foundation also takes look back at 1996 to identify its accomplishments in publicizing the need for better laws to protect our children at the local, state, and federal level. There is a lifetime of work ahead of us. We rely on your help to carry it out. Let's beat crime in 1997!