Pioneer Rowing Club (PRC) is recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization. PRC strives to provide a number of fundraising opportunities to help keep the cost of rowing as low as possible. Rowing fees (general and travel assessments) and AAPS budget assistance do not cover the full cost of any particular rowing season. Therefore, we must constantly be engaged in fundraising. Some fundraising activities go to subsidize the entire team and its operations, while others provide opportunities for rowers to offset rowing general assessments. Both are equally important in maintaining the program and it is expected that all rowers and their families participate in as many fundraisers as possible.
We do not set individual boat purchase goals, but instead have a well-developed on-going purchase plan that covers all aspects of our equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, racing shells of various sizes – eights, fours, pairs, singles – oars, cox boxes, GPS timing devices, recording devices, ergometers, coaches launches and motors, and a slew of safety gear and clothing. This is an enormous amount of inventory that is in a constant state of usage and replacement rotation. A racing shell has a life of 12-15 years, oars perhaps 8-10, and everything else we own has been slowly built up and acquired over the years, but will also eventually need to be replaced.
Our plan calls for raising funds through alumni and sponsorship support plus a few key events. These provide a balance of diversity of funding with community interaction and marketing through our Row Along instructional event, and one or two other social events during the winter months.
We are always looking for new and effective fundraising ideas and volunteers. If you know of anyone or would like to help out, please contact the finance coordinator.
