<p> Friends' Central Aquatics 2015 Swim-A-Thon</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>Timing and Rules</p><p> 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. </p><p> 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. </p><p> The goal is for each swimmer to swim as many laps as possible during their time period. Swimmers may perform any stroke. </p><p> 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.</p><p>Sponsorship</p><p> 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. </p><p> 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.</p><p> 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</p><p> 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. </p><p>Lap Counters</p><p> All swimmers are responsible for finding their own lap counters. </p><p> For the older swimmers, we recommend two counters who can alternate during the four-hour event. Preferably counters will be over 18. </p><p> 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. </p><p> Lap Tally sheets will be available for pick up the day of the Swim-A-Thon. </p><p> 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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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</p><p>Swimmer's Name: ______</p><p>$ 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</p><p>* 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</p><p>Counter #1______Counter #2______</p>