Greetings Stingrays,

Gear up! It’s chilly out there!

Hope you had good time at the WCY meet! We traveled well with over 110 swimmers and we had some great swims!

Congrats to all of the swimmers and coaches, and thanks so much to all of our many volunteers!

Sending a note today to communicate some details re the KVY Stingray’s finances and fundraising efforts this year . . . Good reading for those who are interested—A sleep aid for those who are not .

Thus far, thanks to your generosity and effort (and the generosity of our community) we have raised nearly $2400!

We raised approximately:

• $1000 via Tag Day Fundraiser
• $  900 via Concessions and KVY Gear/Accessories Sales
• $  500 via VIP Seating Fundraiser

We have 2 home meets remaining for Concessions/Gear/VIP sales and there are a few other fundraisers on the horizon . . . Stay tuned

The million dollar question . . . Where does our money go?

First, our KVY Stingray Swim Team Registration/Tuition Fees, which are comparable to (and often lower than) other local YMCAs (e.g., Twin Cities, Waterville, Boothbay, Freeport, etc.), fund the many, many expenses associated with swim team and aquatics. For example, these fees are used to fund coaches’ compensation & travel, a portion of lifeguard expenses, a portion of the swim equipment (e.g., touch pads, technical equipment-computers/starting/scoring systems, team caps, fins, pull buoys, kick boards, stopwatches, PA system, etc.) and a portion of pool maintenance.

Lest you think it is inexpensive to maintain a pool of this caliber, the filter sand alone that is scheduled to be replaced (mentioned in an earlier email), was initially estimated to cost $8000 . . . That estimate has now more than doubled! Yes, you read that correctly . . . $20,000 worth of SAND! Yikes! The Y also just spent a significant sum to update and repair the HVAC system in the competition pool area, helping us all to breathe easier. These are just 2 of the many expenses associated with operating a pool of this size/quality.

Second, our KVY Stingray Swim Team Fundraising Efforts allow us to purchase many Stingray-specific items (e.g., Team T-shirts, Advanced Training Aids, Team Socials, Awards, etc.). Neither current KV YMCA leadership, nor current KVY Stingray Steering Committee leadership, has been in place long enough to know the history of when/how/why the infamous “$3,000” was implemented. However, the $3000 Stingray Swim Team line-item in the KVY budget currently functions like something akin to a Stingray account.

Again, we are unsure what transpired historically, but, at present, NONE of the Stingray’s Fundraising efforts are transferred into the KVY’s “General Fund.” ALL of our fundraising benefits the Stingrays. The process works as follows:

1. Stingrays raise X dollars
2. Stingrays submit X dollars to KVY
3. Stingrays identify/purchase a team need
4. KVY receives invoice
5. KVY cuts check/pays invoice

One new development . . . We are working on implementing a method to allow the Stingrays to carry over funds raised from one year to the next, which will be especially important as we identify larger ticket items to improve the team’s overall experience and provide greater opportunities for the Stingrays to host more elite meets/events. A nice segue into some specific short-term and long term goals . . .

This year, Stingray fundraising dollars have already purchased the team shirts and other items, but our fundraising goal for the remainder of the season is to identify, purchase and install (this spring or summer) 2 New Digital Pace/Pool Wall Clocks! These are pricey and prices vary widely, but we have a good start already and we are optimistic that we can meet our goal! More info to follow . . .

The remaining funds from our 2016-2017 fundraising efforts will be earmarked for a portion of the much needed New Starting Block Systems! . . . Just like the filter sand mentioned above, these seem WAY too expensive! Wow! Again, they are pricey and prices vary widely. Our long term goal is to reach beyond the Stingray Swim Team to help fund the blocks, including business owners and individuals in the community who are passionate about swim, other institutions that benefit from the upgraded blocks and, of course, the KV YMCA. The details are still in process, but we will update you as plans evolve . . .

We have had an amazing “growth spurt” this year . . . 50% in one year! As important are the countless positive stories and experiences that swimmers, parents and coaches are accumulating! Exciting stuff! Join us as we enjoy the present, and plan for the future of the KVY Stingrays!

Thanks so much for all you do!

Please let us know if you have any questions, comments, concerns, suggestions, etc. You will find both Stingray Steering Committee leaders and KV YMCA leaders very approachable and eager to hear from you.

Gary & Kristy for the Stingrays

P.S. Like to eat? Remember, Chipotle is donating 50% of the proceeds to the KV YMCA on January 19th! This is not a Stingray event, so don’t forget to tell the cashier that you are there to support the “KV YMCA” or simply bring the flyer with you (on paper or on your phone).