Fundraising

Robinson Crew is a competitive varsity sport that receives no funding from Robinson Secondary School. All funding comes from fees and fundraising. During the 2010-2011 season, Robinson Crew had approximately 100 athletes, and an annual operating budget of over $150,000. The budget pays for boats, rowing machines, coaches, busing, and other costs.

The Robinson Crew Booster Club actively supports the Robinson Athletic Boosters with 100% Athletic Booster membership.

Commitment is a very important part of Crew at Robinson. Commitment is required to withstand the grueling physical demands of the sport, to raise the large amount of money needed to sustain the team, and to keep the second largest Robinson sport at the forefront. Robinson Crew exists not only because the athletes are committed to their sport, but also because the parents are committed to their rowers. Rower unit commitment is a hallmark of Robinson Crew.

All Crew families participate in fundraising and other Club activities throughout the year and in so doing establish a bond and share unique experiences, which is increasingle valuable between teens and parents today. Booster families participate with their rowers in fundraisers, workdays, and regatta support.

To ensure that everyone does their fair share of fundraising, Robinson Crew has established a point system. In order to compete, every rowers must earn the required points (25 points for novices, 75 points for returning rowers). Points can be earned by volunteering time at fundraising events or by purchasing scrip.

Mandatory Fundraisers

Failure to participate in a mandatory event results in a $100 fee (this may be waived at the discretion of the board of directors). Athletes are not allowed to participate in any crew activity until the fee is paid.

Rowers are required to participate in these mandatory fundraising events:

• Tag Day - Every crew member must participate in the crew Tag Day held annually in February. Crew members do not receive points for participating but can receive points for activities associated with Tag Day (and for participating in additional Tag Days if offered).
• Plant Sale - Robinson Crew holds a plant sale annually in May. All crew members (seniors, too) must sell $100 worth of plant certificates. Crew members earn points for any certificates sold above the mandatory amount and for helping with the event.
• Letter Writing Campaign - Mandatory each year for novices. Optional for experienced rowers as a points opportunity.