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Swim-A-Thon  

FAST’s 2009 Swim-a-Thon!

What is it?
The Swim-a-Thon is FAST’s one fund-raiser each year. Swimmers send letters at the FAST letter writing event(s) to friends, family, local businesses, etc. to ask for donations or per lap pledges. On the day of the Swim-a-Thon, swimmers have a maximum of two hours to swim up to 200 lengths (2.84 miles!). The Swim-a-Thon is set up to be tons of fun for swimmers with activities, competitions and prizes!

 
Why do we do it?
FAST knows that parents are bombarded with fund-raisers from multiple sports, clubs, schools, etc. each year. Some people might ask why we don’t just raise the monthly dues and skip the fund-raiser.
 
This is a really important event for FAST and here’s why:
  • Swimmers get to do some work and help “earn” funding for their team
  • It makes our team stronger – swimmers bond through participation in the fun events
  • FAST raises awareness and support for youth sports in our community
  • It builds swimmer confidence; especially for the younger kids, getting out there and swimming so many laps gives a great feeling of accomplishment
  • For the parents: donations are tax deductible – regular dues are not 
What does FAST do with the money raised?
5% of the total amount raised goes to support USA Swimming and their activities. The remaining funds are used to support the FAST operating budget. In past years, funds were used for the swim clinic, new touch pads, an underwater camera, cabinets in the lobby, swim equipment, swimmer awards, t-shirts and the travel meet.
 
What takes place at the letter writing event(s)?
Swimmers bring their list of names and addresses. FAST provides letters, envelopes, stamps and fun! Swimmers spend the time filling out the letters and envelopes and hanging out with their friends. 
 
2009 Swim Clinic
FAST will be bringing both Janet Evans (5 time Olympic medalist) and Lara Jackson (7 time NCAA champion) to present a motivational swim clinic as a reward for those swimmers who participate in collecting Swim-a-thon donations.  Each family (regardless of number of swimmers) needs to collect at least $100 in donations in order to attend.
 
What takes place the day of the Swim-a-Thon?
Swimmers get up to two hours to complete as many laps as they can (200 maximum). A parent or a friend watches to keep track of the completed lengths. Swimmers can take breaks, eat snacks, participate in games and listen to music.
 
What are our goals for the Fall 2009 Swim-a-Thon?
  •  2009 total team fund-raising goal: $20,000 (we raised this much in 2008!)
  •  2009 per swimmer fund-raising goal: $150
  •  2009 participation goal: 100%- all FAST swimmers!
2009 Schedule
 
Date
Time
Event
Location
Tues, 9/15
3:30-6:30 p.m.
Letter writing
EPIC classroom
Mon, 9/21
3:30-6:30 p.m.
Letter writing
EPIC classroom
Weds, 9/30
Firm deadline at 7:00 p.m.
Donations due in order to qualify for Swim Clinic
Payment slot in FAST’s EPIC cabinets
Sat, 10/3
8:00 a.m. - approx 12 p.m.
Swim Clinic with Janet Evans and Lara Jackson
CSU’s Moby Pool (directions on FAST web site)
Fri, 10/9
4:00-7:00 p.m.
Swim-a-Thon! (instead of regular practice)
EPIC
Fri, 10/23
Firm deadline at 5:00 p.m.
All donations due in (late donations will not count towards earning prizes)
Payment slot in FAST’s EPIC cabinets
 
 
2009 Prizes
 
1.    Janet Evans & Lara Jackson Swim Clinic- October 3, 2009
Each family needs to collect $100 in donations (regardless of number of swimmers in the family) by Wednesday, September 30, 2009, at 7 p.m. in order to qualify to attend.
 
2.    Prizes for total amount of donations collected
Swimmers who collect donations will be eligible for the prizes listed below. The amounts listed below are for each individual swimmer, not totals for families. Donations are all due in by Friday, October 23, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. in order to count towards prizes.
 
Amount collected by 10/23 per swimmer
Other Prizes
$100 and above
2 Personalized FAST swim caps
$500 - $749
USA Swimming t-shirt
$750 - $999
USA Swimming towel
$1000 +
USA Swimming bag
 
 
Contact with questions or if you would like to volunteer to help at any of the events: Melissa Kinnear, amyifc@yahoo.com


 

Ideas for Donation Letters to Send
  • Family (e.g., grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins)
  • Neighbors that you know
  • Co-workers or parents’ co-workers
  • Dentist
  • Orthodontist
  • Doctors
  • Family accountant/financial advisor
  • Local business you visit frequently (e.g., coffee shops, dry cleaners, salons, restaurants)
  • Baby sitters
  • Teachers
Letters & Forms