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COVENANT HOUSE LETTERS
The primary element that distinguishes most great fund-raising letters is the close personal
involvement of the writer with his or her subject. Very often, the best letters are written not by
professional copywriters, but by someone actively working for the cause being promoted. And
when that individual is a natural writer, some truly great copy can result.
Such was the case with a series of letters from Covenant House, the exceptional facility dedicated
to serving the thousands of "street kids" in Manhattan. Those letters were written by Father Bruce
Ritter, the founder of Covenant House. He wrote not only of his successes, but also his frustrations,
failures, and ambitions. The letters read like pages from a great novel. But there was never
any question they were not works of fiction.
There was never a question that he needed more financial support than he received. But his letters,
unlike so many fund-raising letters, were not emblazoned with that too-often repeated word,
"EMERGENCY." They didn't cry the blues about empty coffers. Even though the stories he related
were often tragic, they weren't filled with tears.
Through each letter, you got a feeling of "being there" — and wanting to help. While Father Ritter
later got into trouble and had to abandon his leadership of Covenant House, the foundation of
support he laid through his exceptional letters has continued to serve the institution well.
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