As a violin dealer I have a variety of people who frequently want or need to sell instruments, usually for personal or economic reasons which are easily recognizable. However, when I was approached by the owner of this bow to sell it and donate the proceeds to the Tibetan people, I was deeply moved and could not think of anything besides the need to help in any possible way I could. So, with this in mind, we are offering this beautiful bow for sale. All the proceeds go to ITIM for the benefit of Tibetan people.

Please take a moment and look at this exquisite piece. When you purchase this bow, not only will you have a truly one of a kind bow, but you will be assisting in this very important cause. I thank you in advance and please feel free to contact me with any and all questions. I am here to assist you.

Sincerely,

F. Rodger Thompson

All proceeds from the sale of this bow will go to the International Tibet Independence Movement, an organization dedicated to obtaining Tibet's independence from China through non-violent methods. ITIM was founded in 1995 by Thubten Jigme Norbu (eldest brother of The Dalai Lama) and Professor Larry Gerstein and now includes thousands of supporters worldwide. In addition to continued efforts to restore Tibetan autonomy, ITIM offers assistance to Tibetan refugees, works toward the release of Tibetan political prisoners, promotes the preservation of Tibetan culture outside of Tibet and attempts to bring the plight of the Tibetan people to the attention of the world community. ITIM is a registered 501c3 not-for-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by U.S. law.

The following is a partial list of ITIM's activities and accomplishments:

* Coordinated Tenzin Delek Rinpoche e-mail campaigns to PRC embassies
* Sponsored visits to the U.S. by Tibetan monks from the Drepung Gomang, Drepung Loseling and Tashi Lhunpo monasteries
* Coordinated a number of Walks for Tibet's Independence including a 45 day walk from Washington DC to New York City in 1996, a 2 month walk from Toronto to New York City in 1997 and a 2 month walk from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 2000
* Organized demonstrations in several cities including New York, Chicago, Washingon DC and Indianapolis
* Sponsored a number of workshops on traditional Tibetan medicine
* Installed The Room for Remembance: Reflections of Tibet in the Chamtse Ling Temple in Bloomington, Indiana
* Coordinated a worldwide campaign to assist the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, which is the seat of The Panchen Lama. This important Tibetan spiritual leader (second only to The Dalai Lama) was apparently abducted by the Chinese in 1995 and his whereabouts remain unknown
* Provided seed money for chapters of Students for a Free Tibet
* Launched Rangzen House, designed to offer vocational and educational training and housing opportunites to Tibetans in North America
* Maintains an informational website that averages 75,000 hits per month

For further information on ITIM please see www.rangzen.org or write to ITIM, P.O. Box 592, Fishers, Indiana 46038 USA