A callout is definitely a good idea. One of the last major callouts we had/needed was at the end of my freshman year. The demonstration was for junior high students to get them involved in robotics next year, either with Lego League for 7th graders or FRC as freshmen. I drove the 2001 robot and capped a troublemaker
, and the next year, there were at least 20 new members. (I admit, it probably wasn't all my credit
). Also go to local events (I'm sure there are quite a few in Fort Wayne) and display the robot there. Small businesses are extremely generous and community-aware, so try approaching several small businesses and ask them for small amounts of money. Of course, be organized. Have a team of 3 or 4 people, including someone who the boss/owner knows somewhat well, and give a 3 - 5 minute presentation about the team and its
community goals. Include plenty of time for questions and answers: there will be many. Also, don't ask for money. If they are convinced, they will offer money to you. If they offer services, take them. They could be as valuable, if not more valuable than the money itself. It doesn't even have to be metal/pvc related, even pizza donations work. Try this, and if it doesn't work, keep 1022 going (maybe through VeX), or don't compete one year, but focus that year on fundraising. And remember, hard work always pays off. It's just a question of
when it pays off.