Team #3020 Needs your help more than ever!

[BurtGummer]

As of today, Boeing of Southern California will sponsor the $5,000 entry fee for Atlanta. Now we are in the process of seeing if the school will even let us go.......so we'll see how things end up.

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by BurtGummer

As of today, Boeing of Southern California will sponsor the $5,000 entry fee for Atlanta. Now we are in the process of seeing if the school will even let us go.......so we'll see how things end up.

Congrats guys and thank you BOEING for sponsoring us this season also.

[DustinWyke]

We are having some of the same problems with our team. But really REALLY push the "World Championships" issue. In our town at least we are the only team or group or anything to get to the world championships. So its a big deal. Grab a phone book and call all the businesses in the area. Great way to make $.
Some students might not be able to pay for lodging and flight and all that. All the extra should be distributed among the students.
This is what we are doing. I think its a good start.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by DustinWyke

We are having some of the same problems with our team. But really REALLY push the "World Championships" issue. In our town at least we are the only team or group or anything to get to the world championships.

Like the school needs more arm-twisting. They have the robotics team's qualification as roughly the second item in their news section on their website's front page... Thanks to the OC Register. Chalk one up to using the press to your advantage and keep fundraising.

Definitely push that it's the world championship and go straight to the top. Know what you are asking for, though. In this case, 2-3 more days off school and maybe some funding to travel.

For local businesses, tell them that you're going to the world championship and that anything they can donate will help, even if it's only $50 or the opportunity to do a fundraiser within the next couple of weeks.

[BurtGummer]

Well our administration had a meeting this afternoon regarding the matter.....and they did not reach a conclusion, which in my opinion is not a good thing. We wouldn't even miss school! It's right in the middle of our Spring Break. And yeah, the article on our website says we ca go to Atlanta, but that doesn't really mean anything when it comes to our administration.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by BurtGummer

Well our administration had a meeting this afternoon regarding the matter.....and they did not reach a conclusion, which in my opinion is not a good thing. We wouldn't even miss school! It's right in the middle of our Spring Break. And yeah, the article on our website says we ca go to Atlanta, but that doesn't really mean anything when it comes to our administration.

In the middle of spring break? Then why does the administration need to make a decision on whether or not you can go?

Unless, of course, it's the whole "school activity during spring break" thing.

[BurtGummer]

Our school controls everything that is considered a part of it. The robotics 'club' is under the school, so no matter when it is, it is their decision.

[rsisk]

Well, keep on top of it. You have already cleared two HUGE issues, winning the Rookie All Star, and getting funding. We are all proud of your accomplishment so far.

Also, check you Private Messages.

[Team 135]

We knew way back that we had this problem. We wanted to go for sure and needed to get the money. First was calling us and we kept putting them off hoping we could tell them Yes for sure we are going. Finally we decided to talk to them and explain that we cold not make it because we did not have the money. The lady from first hung up and called GM and they agreed to pay the $5000. I think it would be acceptable for teams who are truly in need, to talk to first and see what they can do for you.

[JDeCola]

Originally Posted by BurtGummer

As of today, Boeing of Southern California will sponsor the $5,000 entry fee for Atlanta. Now we are in the process of seeing if the school will even let us go.......so we'll see how things end up.

Good Luck!! hope to see 3020 there!

[Team2339]

Be sure to let your administration know the basic purpose of education:
Apply knowledge in the real world.
Also point out the scholarship potentials and careers available through FIRST.
That is a money point, always effective.

[Teammax]

First of all congratulations!! Your team should be very proud.

As a mentor and the main person that handles the money on my team I am going to say something that is obviously not popular. We go to Atlanta every other year. We have wonderful sponsors that we do not 'over ask' for money and we have a good working relationship with them. Our team knows that even if we win something big we will be staying home this year. Also, our school understands our schedule so there are not many complants about loss of school time. Next year we are going to Atlanta. It is just the way it is. In my opinion, winning the rookie all star award is in no my diminished if you do not go. If you start planning now for next year you can register for both a regional and the championships.

I have found trying to rush a trip is very hard. Do-able yes but hard. It might be an oppurtunity to find new sponsors but is also might be a time to turn off existing sponsors when you ask for more money and they feel obligated to give it. So be careful. Also with such a tight time frame I have found that team members get left behind wether it is money constrants or time constrants. So the full team does not make the trip.

Maybe you can avoid these issues but at least be aware of what could happen when a trip is quickly thrown together.

I am not trying to be negative, honestly, but being realistic of the situation. If there is no plan going into the regional then it is hard to make one now.

[BurtGummer]

We got the OK from the school today, so we will be going to Atlanta. Now one of our teachers and an activities director want to raise $10,000 more for airfares.....we'll see how that works out. All other activities at our school are "pay your own fees if you want to go".

[EricH]

Originally Posted by BurtGummer

We got the OK from the school today, so we will be going to Atlanta. Now one of our teachers and an activities director want to raise $10,000 more for airfares.....we'll see how that works out. All other activities at our school are "pay your own fees if you want to go".

You can do it. Car washes, fundraisers with local restaurants...

OK, just see http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=63 for more ideas, especially the sticky threads.

[keehun]

Originally Posted by BurtGummer

We got the OK from the school today

Congratulations! Wow, what an opportunity as a rookie team to be at Atlanta. I wish the best of luck with your fundraisers and competing in Atlanta!

Keehun
Team 2502