April 10, 2012

D.A.R.E. AMERICA LICENSED VENDOR UPDATE
The announcement of Tee's Plus closure was a surprise to everyone, including the staff of D.A.R.E. America. It is unfortunate as Tee's Plus has enjoyed a longstanding and positive relationship with the D.A.R.E. Program.

On February 15, 2012, Allen Graham, President, notified D.A.R.E. America that effective immediately, Tee's Plus was "closed for business". This was precipitated by their bank terminating negotiations regarding their funding. The Bank directed that no new orders could be accepted and that existing orders could not be fulfilled. This applied not only to D.A.R.E. merchandise, but to their other customers as well. In view of this, we have no choice but to consider their contract terminated for cause. It is important to understand that this closure was due to the actions of People's United Bank and was not initiated by D.A.R.E. America.

The management staff at darecatalog.com has reacted immediately and admirably to this situation. They have added staff and significant inventory in order to meet the needs of D.A.R.E. Programs across the country. They have pledged to keep prices low and their quality of service high.

The staff of D.A.R.E. America wishes to extend to the former employees of Tee's Plus its best wishes in their future endeavors.

Should there be any questions regarding this notice or any vendor issues, please contact Mistie Bell-Banks at mistie.bellbanks@dare.org