Re: Tier 1 teams
 

We've decided that we can only afford 2 regionals and championships. we only have one sponser and it been calculated that is going to cost $900 for hotel and travel. I make most of my money by working parking at our local county fair.

Re: Tier 1 teams
 

I really don't think that's an option for everyone. Our team works together to do fundraising, and if we get enough money to do something more, then that's what we'll do. Speaking personally, I know that there is no way that I, or my family, could come up with $600, or even $370, (especially this year with all the graduation expenses, senior expenses, etc.) for me to be part of a FIRST team, whereas my personal fundraisings (AKA, people you hit up for money) for the team, aside from group projects, can bring in much more. People are a lot more willing to sponsor a team with money than a person, and I don't think a person's financial status should limit their participation in FIRST.

Re: Tier 1 teams
 

Joseph:
Just because Napa is surrounded by vineyards doesn't mean each citizen owns one...Let me tell you, my family is so far from financially stable it's not even funny. Last year I got a job, and I paid my own way through robotics.
Usually the cost to Atlanta is made in 2 or 3 payments, so that makes it a little bit easier. We don't ask team parents for money, I don't like that idea very much...But extra fundraising (what a concept :rolleyes: ) would be good to lower the cost of each individual.


thewizard16:
I never said that a person's financial status should limit their participation in FIRST. I know that if an individual is in need of help there are others willing to help. Most of the time the school helps out. I don't know how but some teams manage to fund raise enough so people don't have to pay much at all...



I fully understand what both of you are saying. I hope I didn't come across as some kind of snob. In all seriousness, I come from a very low-class family. But I work really hard to be able to participate in FIRST. I know that some people work harder than me, and I know that some people don't. I wasn't saying that the people on my team have money to spare. I was more trying to say that it is disappointing to see an entire team pass up a chance for Atlanta because of the price tag when there's even still time to fundraise. Meh.

Re: Tier 1 teams
 

That post really set me off when I saw it earlier tonight, but I didn’t immediately respond. Even now I don’t really know what to say, but here goes…

Wow. One assumption after on CD another today?

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...threadid=31472

<sarcasm>What is it, "everyone spout out nonsensical, offensive, judgmental statements" day?</sarcasm>

Just because people live in California, or a certain part of California that’s famous doesn’t mean that they’re swimming around in more cash than they know what to do with. Here in California the cost of living is sky high, and jobs are being lost left and right (and replaced with low paying part-time jobs) due to the stagnant economy, the outsourcing of jobs, and reorganization of corporate assets. There is also a high bankruptcy rate in our area. I should know, since my parents and many friends of mine are debtors’ attorneys in the Silicon Valley. There are quite a few teams in California whose students can’t afford to travel with their team to events; it’s not a situation that’s removed from our state. My old team, The Sea Dawgs’, students couldn’t afford to travel to Sacramento (just 2h away from San Jose), and even if I drove the kids and we split 2 hotel rooms. Luckily (depending on how you look at the situation), we didn’t really have this problem since we couldn’t muster the funds to register for a second event in 2003 or 2004. We were a team in San Jose, the heart of the Silicon Valley, and we couldn’t come up with those funds as individuals or as a team, and we sure as heck weren’t the only ones with that problem.

So, I would definitely say it’s because you’re biased that you would tell someone from Napa (which has the same economic troubles as the Silicon Valley) to open their eyes to the economic strife of another area. Yes, parts of Napa are beautiful, just like parts of Virginia are beautiful, but that really doesn’t reflect the economic cross-section of those areas. I was offended by that comment, and I, personally, think you should apologize for it.

-Bill Gold

Re: Tier 1 teams
 

Wildstang (0111) will be going to Nationals this season (2005)

Re: Tier 1 teams
 

Alas, I could not convince 571 to sign up for nationals at this point due to lack of funding and enthusiasm from the team. I am disappointed that we didn't take this opportunity but wish other teams the best of luck should we not show up (there is still the possibility of earning our way there through a regional, but once again funding is a problem).

Re: Tier 1 teams
 

I feel lucky. The students on our team have never had to pay our own way. We get all of our money through a golf tournament. We go out and get sponsers for the tounament and keep a portion of what we earn (usually $10 for every $100 we earn). :D