Friends' Central Aquatics 2015 Swim-A-Thon
Every other year, FCA hosts a Swim-A-Thon to raise money and awareness for a designated charitable cause and the FCA program. The event is a chance for all team members to use their strengths to support others. Past Swim-A-Thons have helped rebuild a pool after Hurricane Katrina, support swimmers as they train for and compete in the Olympics, start a swim program to serve underprivileged children, and support humanitarian exchange. In 2013 FCA partnered with Swim Across America, a foundation dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming.
This year we are very excited to be partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a locally based organization dedicated to finding cures for childhood cancer. Part of ALSF’s mission is “to encourage and empower others, especially children, to get involved and make a difference for children with cancer.” It seems like a nature fit for FCA! We encourage you to visit the ALSF website, learn more about their efforts, and help all of our swimmers engage the cause.
FCA will donate 50% of all money raised to ALSF. We will use the remaining 50% to keep our program one of the best in the area. FCA runs a well-staffed, well-equipped program, and while our fees are competitive, they still do not cover all our operating costs. The money raised from a Swim-A-Thon helps maintain our advantages and continue our growth. Specifically, it funds the annual banquet and team gift, coaches’ travel, and coaches’ continuing education.
Timing and Rules
The 6th Swim-A-Thon will be on Sunday, November 22nd. The Swim-A-Thon is a team event, and we expect swimmers to participate.
The event will run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Team Phoenix will swim from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Novices will swim from 11:30 to 12:30. Junior Is through Seniors will swim from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
The goal is for each swimmer to swim as many laps as possible during their time period. Swimmers may perform any stroke.
For the afternoon group, there will be 5-minute breaks every hour on the hour to hydrate and replenish. Each swimmer should come prepared with a water bottle(s) and extra pairs of goggles. The club will provide Gatorade, water and energy bars during the scheduled breaks. There also will be a lemonade stand in the hallway.
Sponsorship
Attached is a sponsor sheet for the swimmers. Sponsors should designate their support as an amount per lap (50 yards). Their total contribution will be calculated once the Swim-A-Thon is over and the laps are recorded. A sponsor also has the option to make a flat donation. This should be clearly indicated on the sponsor sheet so as to eliminate any collection confusion later on.
Prizes will be awarded at the FCA Banquet to the three swimmers in each training group who swim the most laps. There will be additional prizes for fundraising milestones.
The deadline for enlisting sponsor support is the start of the Swim-A-Thon. The deadline for submitting to the FCA office monies owed and the swimmers’ signed lap tallies will be December 21st. Friends' Central Aquatics 2015 Swim-A-Thon
At the start of the Swim-A-Thon, each swimmer should submit a copy of his or her sponsor sheet. Please collect all money in a manila envelope with the original sponsor sheet. Please label the envelope with the swimmer’s name and FCA SWIMATHON 2015.
Lap Counters
All swimmers are responsible for finding their own lap counters.
For the older swimmers, we recommend two counters who can alternate during the four-hour event. Preferably counters will be over 18.
During the Swim-A-Thon, ALL COUNTERS MUST REMAIN IN THE GALLERY AND THE LAP TALLY SHEET MUST BE SIGNED BY THE LAP COUNTER(S) IN ORDER FOR THE SWIMMER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A PRIZE.
Lap Tally sheets will be available for pick up the day of the Swim-A-Thon.
As with all swim events, only coaches and swimmers are permitted on deck. Lane assignments will be posted one week before the Swim-A-Thon.
Swimmers, volunteers, parents, and friends are all invited to cheer on the team and make this fundraising a success. Swimmers, parents, and counters are invited to a pizza dinner immediately following the Swim- A-Thon. Please feel free to contact any of the point parents if you have questions. And please remember that the success of this event depends on your involvement.
Find out more about Alex’s Lemonaid Stand here: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=gM9GbaSsUaE&list=PL8D55DDAEEDCE9645&index=1 And here: http://www.alexslemonade.org/ Friends' Central Aquatics 2015 Swim-A-Thon
Swimmer's Name: ______
$ per # of Total Sponsor Name Address Phone # Lap * Laps * Due 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
* If a sponsor wishes to make a flat donation, please X out the # of laps column. * Checks must be made payable to FRIENDS’ CENTRAL SCHOOL
Counter #1______Counter #2______