Coral Shores High School

Coral Shores High School

Monday, February 23, 2009

Swim A Thon

To All Community Members,

Friends Of The Pool is a new 501(c)(3) organization created by local community members that focuses on seeing the continued enhancement of existing swim and dive programs in the Upper Keys. It is also our purpose to actively create and support new swim and dive programs that include, but are not limited to, USS registered age group and masters teams, adult fitness programs, summer teams, swim and dive camps, basic learn to swim programs, and other aquatic programs.

On March 21rst, Friends Of The Pool will be hosting its first annual Swim-A-Thon, sanctioned by USA Swimming, at Founders Park to raise money for the aforementioned swim and dive programs. We are happy to announce that a generous local private donor has offered a dollar-for-dollar match for all funds raised during this drive. We invite all ages because even if you raise $2 and swim 2 lengths (50yds), you can still help us raise $4! No distance is too small!

Also, when you are finished swimming you may participate in a swim clinic or contest. There will be food, games, and other fun events for the family to enjoy. We encourage members of the family that are not swimming laps to still come cheer and enjoy the festivities. It is our goal to involve as much of the community as possible. We want to show that with the communities’ help, and only with the communities’ help, our beautiful facilities can be put to its proper and maximum use.

Friends Of The Pool is a organization that is open to all members of the community. We welcome you to find out more about becoming a member by visiting our booth on the day of the event.

If you have any further questions regarding the Swim A Thon or the Friends Of The Pool organization please do not hesitate to contact Eliza Combes by phone at 305-393-1051, e-mail markhill_67@hotmail.com

Sincerley,
Rob Dixon President
Mark Hill Head Swim Coach

Swim A Thon Questions

How do I raise money?
First you start with an amount of laps you would like to swim. For now lets say you want to swim 10 laps. You would have to raise $10 at $1 per lap. Each swimmer can have several donors with each donor supporting a portion of your final amount or one donor to cover the cost of all your laps. The donors could be friends, family, co-workers, or even yourself. REMEMBER THAT A $10 DONATION IS MATED BY OUR PRIVATE DONOR AND IS REALLY A $20 DONATION.

Where can I pick up a donation form?
I have sent out a form to many of you, however, I will leave plenty of sheets at the pool so please feel free to stop by Founders and pick up a form.

Where is the money going?
The money will be going towards the aquatic programs. Half of the donations will go towards helping the Florida Keys Swim Club which is the local USS registered age group club team that practices here in the upper keys. The other half will go to Friends of the Pool who are focused on building new programs.

Are donations tax deductible?
Yes!

Who counts the laps?
You do! We will have some lap counters helping , however, the honor system will have to be in effect.

Any rules?
No swimmer can swim more than 200 laps and no swimmer can swim for more than 2 hours.

Will there be anything else going on?
Yes! We will have food, games, contests, and clinics going on throughout the day.

Where can I get more information?
Please e-mail me markhill_67@hotmail.com

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Bad Weather

It would seems silly to apologize for things I can't control such as the weather but I must say that I do feel really bad. I feel like in the last month cold weather and cold pool temps have led to freezing of our regularly scheduled practices. I am not happy with it but I do want to say thank you to all of you that are patient and continue to give your support. Without the hardcore regulars we are nothing. The pool temp today was 71 and Founders. Please feel free to voice your concerns about the heating with Founders Park Management.

I know that many of you that live in Islamorada have not gotten a chance to swim because Founders Park has been cold. I encourage you to try to come up north to Jacobs. The pool there has been 79-81 during most of these fronts and we have been swimming in full strength. Over 15 kids swimming in the Junior group alone. I am trying my best to keep the kids swimming despite the weather so during these fronts I make decisions based on pool temp. and will reschedule if necessary. I apologize if it is sometimes last minute as I check the temp during the cold front on the day of workout and make decicions accordingly.

Hopefully we are rolling through the last of our cold fronts. In no time at all we will be complaining about the summer sun. Please continue to check the website for information regarding the club, especially updates regarding practice changes due to the weather. I appreciate all the support.