KATY Aquatics 2014 Swim-A-Thon Fundraising Packet Goal: $100,000 100% Team Participation active.com/donate/katyaquatics2014 swimathon@katyaquatics.org 1
Swim-A-Thon FAQ's What is Swim-A-Thon? Swim-A-Thon is our single largest fundraiser each year. The funds raised will help us reach our goal of purchasing land to build our own 50 meter pool in the Katy area, as well as provide additional support to our existing swimming programs. Swim-A-Thon is a fundraiser in which participants earn money for their team by swimming lengths of the pool. Swimmers have a 2-hour period to swim a maximum of 200 laps. (That's 2.84 miles in case you were wondering!) Swimmers get pledges per lap or flat donations from family, friends, neighbors, businesses, etc. prior to swimming. When and where is Swim-A-Thon? Swim-A-thon will be held Saturday, March 22 nd, 2014. We will announce the specific times and locations of where each Swim-A-Thon team will be swimming once we are closer to the event. What will we do at Swim-A-Thon? Athletes will swim and eat! We will have food for everyone after our athletes swim 200 laps. Parents will cheer and volunteer! There will be many opportunities to earn service hours for this event. We will need lap counters, food donations, set-up crews, clean-up crews, etc. Be sure to watch your email for available job sign-ups. How do we raise money for Swim-A-Thon? Active Giving Set up your own personal website and send the link to family and friends via email, Facebook, and Twitter. Then watch the donations roll in! See directions on how to set up your Active Giving website on page 5 of this packet. Active Giving Team Link: active.com/donate/katyaquatics2014 Pledge Form Letters Mail out pledge letters to everyone you know! Grab your address book and go for it! Relatives and friends are great for sending pledge letters. A sample of the pledge form letter can be found on pages 6-8 of this packet. Envelope Collections Use your blue and white USA Swimming Swim-A-Thon envelope and ask everyone you know to sponsor you. You can get pledges per lap, or flat donations. Be sure to include neighbors, classmates, and co-workers of Mom and Dad when asking for donations! Corporate Sponsorships In an effort to achieve our goal of $100,000, we are offering Corporate Sponsorship opportunities. A copy of the Corporate Sponsorship Packet, along with a formal club letter, can be found on pages 9-11 of this packet. The Corporate Sponsorship Packet is also available on our website under the Fundraising tab. Please print the letter/packet and take it to your family doctor, favorite restaurant, or employer. Many businesses generally get excited for the opportunity to support local athletes. 2
Corporate Matching Matching Gift Programs are charitable giving programs set up by corporations in which the company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. For example, if a donor works for Bank of America and donates $250 to a nonprofit organization, Bank of America will then match the donation and write a check for $250 to the same organization. Note: This process can take several weeks to process depending upon the corporation. Any checks received after April 2 nd will not be calculated into the Swim-A-Thon Prize Packages. However, the amount will go towards your family fundraising requirement. How can I earn service hours for Swim-A-Thon? Watch for service hour jobs online and sign up as they are posted. 1 service hour will be given for every $100 raised OVER the mandatory $100 family minimum. Be sure to turn in those pledges and see if you can get some Corporate Sponsorships for Swim-A-Thon. This is the easiest way to earn those hours! Note: Service hours will only be credited AFTER final Swim-A-Thon accounting is complete. How do I win prizes? The $100 minimum requirement must be met by each family, including those with multiple swimmers. Each swimmer will have the opportunity to seek donations individually to earn prizes. Individual prizes will be awarded at different levels, starting at $100 above the family minimum requirement. See Swim-A-Thon prizes on page 4 of this packet for more information on our fabulous prizes. What is the deadline for turning in donations? The deadline for turning in donations is April 2 nd, 2014. Active Giving online donations will end at midnight on April 2 nd, 2014. When and where can I turn in my donation envelope? March 3 rd & 4 th - All Practice Pool locations March 12 th & 13 th - All Practice Pool locations March 22 nd - All Swim-A-Thon event locations March 30 th - SWIM Meet #3 April 2 nd - KATY Aquatics Office by 5:00pm (5506 1 st Street, Katy TX 77493) Note: If you are watching donations online, offline donations from pledge letters and envelope collections will not be instantaneously updated online because they are manually entered. 3
When will winners be announced? Swim-A-Thon winners will be announced Wednesday, April 9 th, 2014. What if I have questions? Please email all questions to swimathon@katyaquatics.org. This email will be monitored daily throughout the fundraiser to ensure all questions are answered. Swim-A-Thon Prizes Individual Awards - Individual Awards will be given by KATY Aquatics and by USA Swimming based on the following fundraising levels. Prizes Supplied by KATY Aquatics Fundraising Level Prizes Meet minimum family fundraising requirement of $100 AND swim laps $100 - $300 OVER min. requirement $301 - $500 OVER min. requirement $501 - $800 OVER min. requirement $801 - $999 OVER min. requirement $1000+ OVER min. requirement Swim-A-Thon Certificate, Just Keep Swimming Swim Cap and T-Shirt All of the above AND Goggles All of the above AND Sports Towel All of the above AND Deluxe Mesh Bag All of the above AND Swim Backpack All of the above AND Speedo Warm-up Suit Prizes Supplied by USA Swimming $400 - $599.99 $600 - $799.99 $800 - $1,199.99 $1,200 + Fundraising Level Prizes Swim-A-Thon Swim Cap Swim-A-Thon T-Shirt Swim-A-Thon Towel Swim-A-Thon Backpack Top Achiever Awards - Athletes must collect at least $801 OVER the family minimum to be eligible for top achiever awards. 1st Place Speedo Aquabeat MP3 Player with Headphones & Armband 2nd Place Speedo Waterproof Digital Camera 3rd Place Fastskin Elite Goggles Top Fundraising Team Awards - Fundraising Teams will be announced via email notification and will remain the same throughout the Swim-A-Thon fundraiser. The Swim-A-Thon team that averages the most money per swimmer will be awarded a Pizza Party during a swim practice. The party date will be announced after the winning team is confirmed. 4
How to Set Up Your Personal Active Giving Website Each athlete will need to create a new Active Giving online webpage for our 2014 Swim-A-Thon. Online fundraising pages from 2013 can NOT be used for this year. Set up an account for each athlete. You will need to use different email addresses for each athlete account. (You can set up free email addresses on websites like hotmail or gmail if you need one.) Locate the email KATY Aquatics sent you with your fundraising team link. Click on the link and follow the directions to create your personal fundraiser page. Active Giving requires participants to be 14 years or older to create a fundraising page, so please keep in mind that parents will need to set up and monitor their underage athlete's fundraising page. However, your athlete should be encouraged to help design the page and send out emails. For underage athletes, enter YOUR name, address, and birthdate. Use your CHILD S name for the DISPLAY name. After your account is set up, log on and click on the Campaign Center to get started creating your webpage. You will be guided through a step-by-step process on how to be successful using Active Giving. Remember to send the link for your Active Giving website to your friends via Facebook, Twitter, and email. The default goal for each swimmer is $250. KATY Aquatics would like to thank all families for participating in Swim-A-Thon! Please feel free to email swimathon@katyaquatics.org if you have any questions or concerns regarding the fundraiser requirements. 5
How to Fill Out Pledge Form Letters Make copies of the pledge letter on pages 7-8 of this packet or go to katyaquatics.org, click on "Fundraising" on the top bar, and then click on "Swim-A-Thon 2014" to find the file and print all the copies you need. Be sure to copy and complete both sides of the letter. Enter the donor s name at the top of the letter, sign your name at the bottom, and add a personal note. Fill in your fundraising goal and add your account name for your Active Giving Online Donation Account. Fill in the address of the donor on the back along with YOUR personal return address. Fold the letter in thirds, so that the address is on the outside. Tape the letter closed. NO STAPLES, PLEASE!! Place postage on the letter. Drop them in the mail to your friends and family. Note: All pledge form donations will be returned to YOU. You will be responsible for turning in donations in your collection envelope at any designated drop off location. All donations must be turned in by April 2 nd. Designated Drop Off Dates & Locations: March 3 rd & 4 th - All Practice Pool locations March 12 th & 13 th - All Practice Pool locations March 22 nd - All Swim-A-Thon event locations March 30 th - SWIM Meet #3 April 2 nd - KATY Aquatics Office by 5:00pm (5506 1 st Street, Katy TX 77493) 6
5506 1 st Street, Katy, Texas 77493 TEL 281-391-7200 Dear, I am helping my USA swim club, KATY Aquatics, build a stronger team and I am asking for your support. KATY Aquatics has made a huge difference in my life. Through swimming, I have learned the power of discipline, teamwork, and setting goals. I especially enjoy the fun that comes when all three of these traits are encouraged by great coaches. Our Coaches at KATY Aquatics make swimming more than just exercise. They make swimming an activity that builds character for life. KATY Aquatics is a premier swim club with over 25 years of history in Katy. Our club is nationally ranked as one of the top 100 swim teams in the USA, and supports the personal development of each individual swimmer. That is why I am swimming in the Just Keep Swimming Swim-A-Thon on March 22 nd, 2014. In 2 hours, I will try to swim 200 laps (2.84 miles)! That is a lot of swimming, but it s all for a great cause - continuing our success as a swim club, and supporting our long-term goal of building and operating a 50 meter pool in the Katy area. Your pledge will help me meet my goal of $ and help KATY Aquatics raise $100,000 towards a stronger future. The easiest way for you to make a contribution is online at http://active.com/donate/katyaquatics2014. It is a secure website where you can donate any amount you desire to our club. If you would rather give by check or make a pledge based on the number of laps I swim, simply use the form below and mail it back to me. Whichever way you choose to give, please know you are giving to an organization that has made a huge difference in my life. All contributions are tax deductible Tax ID# 75-2124074. Thank you for helping me to reach my goal! (Cut on line and return form below) Pledge Form due April 2 nd Dear (swimmer s name), YES! I will donate: $.10/lap $.20/lap $.50/lap $1.00/lap $ /lap or I have enclosed a check for a fixed donation in the amount of: $25 $50 $100 Other Amount: $ Check# Pledge Name 7
To: 8
5506 1 st Street, Katy, Texas 77493 TEL 281-391-7200 Greetings! KATY Aquatics is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization with more than 500 athletes in our competitive swim program. Our swim club has been in existence for over 25 years and is recognized as one of the top100 swim teams in the United States. The skill level in our club ranges from swimmers who are just starting out, to highly accomplished athletes who represent the club at National level competitions across the country. When young people become members of KATY Aquatics, they learn the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. Our club supports the development of each individual swimmer and continuously challenges our athletes to strive towards excellence in everything they do. Our team currently practices in several School District pools, as well as other properties across the Katy community. It is a constant challenge to maintain high quality swimming programs while keeping fees affordable. This is why KATY Aquatics regularly solicits assistance throughout the year from local businesses to keep these important programs alive and thriving within the Katy community. In March, KATY Aquatics will be participating in USA Swimming s National Fundraising Event, Swim-A-Thon. All of our competitive swimmers will raise funds for the team as they swim 200 laps (almost 3 miles) in 2 hours. A sponsorship or donation made through Swim-A-Thon will help us reach our long-term goal of building and operating a 50 meter pool in the Katy area, as well as provide additional support to our existing swimming programs. We hope you will embrace the opportunity to sponsor our team, or donate to our organization. In return, we will provide great promotional value as outlined in the enclosed Swim-A-Thon Sponsorship Packet. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to hearing from you and your business soon. Sincerely, KATY Aquatics Board of Directors Providing a world class swimming environment for all swimmers to develop their full potential as athletes and as individuals. 9
2014 Swim-A-Thon Corporate Sponsorship Packet Swim-A-Thon Corporate Sponsorships must be turned in by February 28 th, 2014. Swim-A-Thon Title Sponsor -- $1,000 Company logo listed as Title Sponsor on 2014 Swim-A-Thon T-shirts Company logo on KATY Aquatics website with link to company website Sponsor appreciation plaque with team picture at end of season Receive sponsorship recognition in Monthly Newsletter distributed to over 500 members of the competitive swim team Active Giving Sponsor -- $500 Company name listed on 2014 Swim-A-Thon T-shirts Company name on KATY Aquatics website with link to company website Sponsor appreciation certificate at end of season Receive sponsorship recognition in Monthly Newsletter distributed to over 500 members of the competitive swim team Friends of KATY Aquatics -- $100 Link to company website through Friends of KATY Aquatics fundraising tab on KATY Aquatics website Sponsor appreciation certificate at end of season Receive sponsorship recognition in Monthly Newsletter distributed to over 500 members of the competitive swim team If you are interested in supporting KATY Aquatics for our 2014 Swim-A-Thon, please complete the attached form and send back to Beth Ramsey at the contact information listed below. NOTE: Contribution commitments for Swim-A-Thon Sponsorships must be submitted by 2/28/14 in order to have your Company Logo/Name on the items listed above. Thank you for your generosity. Sincerely, KATY Aquatics Board of Directors KATY Aquatics Attn: Beth Ramsey, Communications & Marketing Liaison 5506 1st Street Katy, Texas 77493 Office: 281-391-7200 / Fax: 281-391-7210 Email: beth@katyaquatics.org www.katyaquatics.org 10
2014 KATY Aquatics Swim-a-Thon Goal: $100,000 Donor Type (Check one) 2014 Swim-A-Thon Corporate Sponsorship Form Anonymous Business Community Supporter Swim Team Family Contact Name: Company: Address: City/State: Zip: E-mail Address: Phone: KATY Aquatics Contact: Check or donation enclosed. Donation will be delivered. Please have someone from the Swim-A-Thon Committee contact me to arrange a time to pick-up my donation. SPONSORSHIP LEVEL/VALUE: DESCRIPTION/CONDITIONS: DONOR S SIGNATURE: Please complete this form and return to: KATY Aquatics, Attn: Beth Ramsey, 5506 1 st Street, Katy, TX 77493 Office: 281-391-7200 / Fax: 281-391-7210 / Email: beth@katyaquatics.org KATY Aquatics, Tax ID # 75-2124074, gratefully acknowledges this charitable contribution. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the tax deductibility of your contribution. 11