Despite not having a competitive season this fall, we still have a need to reach out to request your help with a couple of efforts, first being team fundraising and second is the annual winter dock removal at GWC. Also, Amazon Prime Days are this week and as you are doing your shopping, be sure to think of supporting Mercy Crew through Amazon Smile. AmazonSmile donates a small percentage back to Mercy Crew from every purchase you make through AmazonSmile and have designated Mercy Crew. See the end of the email below for the link.
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES & VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Over the years, the Mercy Crew team has relied on its two most successful fundraisers to support the team: The Garage Sale and Sticky Lips BBQ. Unfortunately, we must accept the realization that COVID may prevent us from hosting these events and we must seek new alternatives and explore fresh ideas that we’ve never done before. Despite the cancellation of both our Spring and Fall seasons this year, Mercy Crew must still continue to cover several fixed expenses such as GWC boathouse rental fees, boat & equipment loan payments & depreciation, insurance, coaches fees & US Rowing fees.
Given this, Mercy Crew would like to start its fundraising efforts to offset some of its fixed costs and to do so we are looking to establish a Fundraising Committee that can bring some of the ideas below to fruition throughout the year. The list is not all inclusive and is meant to kick-start our efforts and get the creative juices flowing. We are looking for a new chair and a few people to assist with the Fundraising Committee. Our previous parent chair is no longer participating with the team.
The first fundraiser that we would like to do is selling pies for the Christmas holiday.Scott Steron has preliminarily reached out to Special Touch Bakery and they recommend that we do the pie fundraiser for Christmas, rather than Thanksgiving, to allow ample time to coordinate and advertise. We are looking to have a Fundraising Committee established by October 16. For more information and to sign up, please contact Scott at treasurer@mercycrew.org.
Leo’s Pies – A Fall Fundraiser Perfect for Thanksgiving
Many schools, churches, and other non-profit organizations host this successful fundraiser. Committee members will work Mercy school administrators to obtain permission, work with Leo’s to establish the program, promote the fundraiser through Mercy and Mercy Crew channels, coordinate all aspects of securing orders and payments, and coordinate curb-side pick-up at Mercy. We could also explore possibly having a second pick up spot at the middle school as a way to promote the team and increase awareness. Have the girls volunteer to hand out pies and have them wear their crew gear.
Special Touch Bakery – Pies With Purpose
Special Touch Bakery is a division of Holy Childhood (a 501(c)(3) organization) whose primary mission is to provide training and employment to people in our community who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. These are people with disabilities who work in an integrated bakery environment. This bakery is an inspiring organization worth teaming up with. They also have great Cannoli Pies! Also, If we do a fundraiser with them, maybe later on we could host a “field trip” and invite the bakers to experience what rowing is all about with our girls. Committee responsibilities are the same as listed above in the Leo’s description.
Erg Rental Program – Work Off Those Pies!
The Mercy Crew board will establish and promote the program. We may need assistance from the committee with erg pick up and sign out, and erg returns and tracking. Rentals are limited to the girls on the team only.
$1 Dress-Down Day: Middle School and High School
What girls doesn’t like to switch up her outfit every now and then! Committee members will work with school administrators to gain permission, coordinate and promote the event, and collect funds.
Restaurant Fundraisers – Everyone Needs to Eat
Many chain restaurants, and possibly some locally-owned venues, offer school fundraisers. They are successful because it’s easy to compel community members to purchase something they already intend to buy—like a meal. Popular restaurants that give a percentage of the purchase amount include: Chipotle, Houlihan’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Panera Bread, P.F Changs, and Red Robin. Committee members will submit requests (may require lots of lead time for a response from the restaurant) and coordinate all aspects of the program and work with the school to promote.
Wine Fundraisers – Ditch the Magazines, Chocolates and Knick Knacks!
Wine fundraisers are a unique way to raise money and are growing in popularity. Many vineyards accommodate custom labels so we can feature our Mercy Crew logo and even have a little fun naming the wines with rowing terminology or puns. With so many vineyards close to home, we should look at local wineries such as Casa Larga, Dr. Franks, or others. Committee members will coordinate all aspects of this program.
Future Considerations – Keep the Ideas Flowing
Other ideas include Alumni Giving, Alumni Summer Rowing Program, Gala Auction Items: Naming Rights to a Boat, Coffee/Cappuccino Bar at Local Regattas.
Please email Scott Steron by Friday, Oct. 16 if you can help out by clicking the button below:
Thank you!
DOCK REMOVAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT GWC
TUESDAY, NOV 17
As part of our Rental Agreement. with GWC, Mercy Crew is responsible for assisting with removing the docks out of the water for the winter. In doing so, we earn a credit toward our rent. We will need 10 volunteers to help on Tuesday, Nov 17 at the GWC Boathouse. Typically dock removal is scheduled for the morning, specific time will be communicated closer to the date. We need as many hands as possible to make light work. Parents and/or rowers are encouraged to attend to volunteer. This is a great project if anyone needs service hours!
Please email Scott Steron if you can help out. Simply click the button below:
Thank you!
SUPPORT MERCY CREW ON AMAZON PRIME DAY OCT 13 & 14!
Make a difference & support Mercy Crew while shopping Amazon Prime Day this Tuesday & Wednesday, October 13 & 14!
Simply shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/26-3195746 or with AmazonSmile ON in the Amazon Shopping app and AmazonSmile donates to Mercy Crew!
- Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device.
- Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into ‘Settings‘ .
- Tap ‘AmazonSmile‘ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.