| About the Campaign |
| Upcoming Events |
| News from the Building Committee |
| Contact Us |
In conjunction with the Blue Wave Swim Team Mid-Season Potluck, you're invited to learn about a new fund-raising effort.
Why is the Swim Team raising funds?
According to a letter the neighborhood association recently sent to the Swim Team, Balcones Woods Club is moving forward to complete a significant remodel of the swimming pool commons area. This may include construction of new restrooms, a guardhouse, and an event room. It is anticipated that the cost of the project will exceed $500,000. This will make it necessary for Balcones Woods Club to identify new sources of revenue aid in financing the project. As the letter states, “It will be necessary to start charging fees for the swim team to use the facilities during May and June.” The Swim Team has formed a “Make it Happen” fund-raising committee to begin raising money for that purpose. Every family in the neighborhood is invited to participate because the new building will be a great new amenity for our entire community.
When will the Make it Happen campaign begin?
Mark your calendars for June 11. We will kickoff the campaign for the whole neighborhood at the swim team mid-season pot luck dinner. Word of mouth will be our best way to let everyone know about this, so please invite your non-swim team neighbors about the campaign kick-off too.
What can I do?
We need volunteers to Make it Happen. While the primary purpose of the campaign will be to raise funds, it is equally important to get as many people involved as possible. The campaign is an opportunity for the entire neighborhood to come together for a common purpose, which is very exciting. There will also be a number of ongoing activities and special events throughout the campaign. Maximum participation will be as important as raising funds.
Several subcommittees are being formed:
Leadership Gifts
Description: Solicits “major” gifts and pledges in advance and throughout the campaign. This is a key committee that will get to work right away.
Solicitation Block Captains
Description: Members of this committee will be responsible for targeted “zones” in the neighborhood to assure that door-to-door visits are made to each home in their assigned zones, in addition to other targeted communications; As many as six captains will be needed to organize and recruit teams to go “block walking” and/or make follow up phone calls.
Solicitation Kids Involvement
Description: Create fun opportunities for kids to give and feel like they’re a part of the process. No gift is too small… maximum participation will be the key.
Solicitation Business Captains
Description: Identify and ask targeted area businesses who may be willing to give to the Swim Team. Some neighborhood residents may also work for businesses or identify other groups that would like to contribute or match contributions. This group will also work on creating and promoting “naming gift” packages such as bricks or benches.
Special Events
Description: There will be a need for volunteers to help coordinate special events at key milestones during the campaign. Some special set up (handout materials, table decorations, banners, etc. will be needed. Some meal coordination will be required. Most of these events will be in conjunction with existing neighborhood events.
Finance/Business
Description: Members of this committee will coordinate the receipt, deposit and tracking of all gifts, including a follow-up confirmation communication. They will also create and issue periodic status reports. Financial or fund-raising software experience will be helpful.
Communications
Description: Members of this committee create newsletters, flyers, posters, “campaign status” graphics. Will produce other materials such as presentations, donor pledge cards, Web site newsletter updates and E-mail blasts. Works with the Building committee to coordinate communications about the status of building.
Why ask the Swim Team to pay for using the pool area now?
The Swim team will be one of the primary beneficiaries of a new facility. To date, the Swim Team has never paid any user fees for using the pool or the Commons area. With the additional costs associated with a new building, the neighborhood association says it needs to identify additional revenue to help offset capital and operational costs associated with a new clubhouse. The Swim Team believes it will be a worthwhile investment that will not only benefit swimmers, but the entire neighborhood. The expected cost of the lease agreement over time is expected to be consistent with fees and rent the association and other organizations charge. Rent will only be charged for a yet to be determined, finite period of time.
Why donate to the Swim Team instead of the neighborhood association?
The Swim Team is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is eligible to receive taxdeductible contributions according to the IRS. The neighborhood association is not a charitable organization and is not eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. The neighborhood association expects to borrow money and gradually raise assessments over the years to help finance the project in addition to requiring the swim team to begin paying rent to help offset additional costs, rather than use reserve funds to construct the building.
Questions or want to get involved? Call or contact:
Rick L’Amie, Campaign Chair: rlamie@yahoo.com, 345-6314
Brian Anthony, Building Committee Chair, Brian.Anthony@freescale.com, 338-1462
