TDCAF News
September-October 2008

Happy birthday, TDCAF!

Emily Kleine

TDCAF Development Director

TDCAF is entering into its third year! Hard to believe that, once a dream in the minds of several board and advisory committee members, the foundation is now fully operational and growing. In the last two years, we have accomplished much in the way of improved educational resources, innovative ways to offer training, and new avenues for funding that would not have existed before TDCAF’s inception. And for that, we thank you, our members, for making this dream a reality.

The USAA Foundation in San Antonio made a contribution to underwrite the cost of books for law enforcement attendees at the San Antonio Regional Update, held on June 27. Thank you, USAA Foundation! Another round of thanks goes to John Bradley, Williamson County District Attorney, for leading the way in asking our elected prosecutors across the state to fund a new appellate attorney position at TDCAA. This person will assist prosecutors with appellate briefs and issues, respond to e-mail and telephone requests for legal assistance, and guide the development of new legal arguments, theories, and trial tactics for Texas prosecutors.

TDCAF’s Annual Campaign continues to gain momentum. Over 20 percent of our goal of $100,000 has been reached. If you have not given yet, please remember that every dollar counts! It is crucial to have support from within our ranks to successfully ask new, outside donors to provide funding for all of TDCAA’s important work. You may designate your gift, if you’d like, for training, the new appellate attorney position, books, in honor or in memory of a loved one, or for general operations. We appreciate your support!

I’ve just returned from the Dallas–Fort Worth area, thanking our Fort Worth Champions for Justice sponsors and visiting with new donors. Soon, I will head out west to team up with Matt Powell, Criminal District Attorney in Lubbock County, to meet with prospective local contributors. James Eidson, Criminal District Attorney in Taylor County, has invited me to speak at the Abilene Crime Stoppers luncheon later this month. Also, keep an eye out for more Champions for Justice events on the horizon. We have two locations and honorees on the radar, and plans are falling into place. More details to come.

Be sure to check out our new website: www.tdcaf.org. It has recently been polished, and you will be most pleased with it. I look forward to seeing you soon! ✤