Hi CRA Swim Team,

(I apologize in advance for the long email, just hang with me on this!)

My name is Stephanie Becker, Mom to Jack, Ellie (11) and Landon (8), and I'm excited to be spearheading an all new Swim-a-thon this year. Hopefully you've seen Coach Jack's email announcing the date: JUNE 28. The schedule will be as follows:

7:45- Team picture followed by individual pictures. Wrap up by 8:45. 

8:50 - Announcements and line up for Swim-a-Thon. 

9:00- Swim-a-thon starts! Final prizes awarded and clean up 11:00am

What's new this year?

1-Beginning at 9:25am, kids will rotate out of the pool to play games with prizes, then hop back in and keep swimming. Some games will consist of an older swimmer paired with a younger swimmer, culminating with exciting coaches relays- the kids will want to stick around to see this- a few lucky team members will compete WITH the coaches.

2- Canterbury has challenged Church Run and Hungary Creek (yes our previous swim coach's team!!) to see which pool can raise the most money and swim the most laps. There will be honor and glory...and a big prize awarded for both. We are waiting to hear if they will accept the challenge, but in the meantime, let's start fundraising!

3- Another "new" thing this year- our fundraising dollars will benefit Better2gether RVA- a nonprofit started by myself and fellow Canterbury Mom Liz Burnett. Many of you remember when our family walked into CRA the summer of 2016, shortly after Jack was diagnosed with Stage IV Lymphoma. You rallied around us and supported us in ways we will never forget. You also made us realize the value and importance of being supported while dealing with crisis. This experience helped open our eyes to a need in the community and Better2gether was formed. Click here for the full story of WHY we started a nonprofit. https://better2getherrva.org/our-story/

Our experience also made me realize that KIDS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, if we let them. The Swim-a-thon helps foster the importance of using one's time and talent to give back to the community in which we live. This year, funds raised will go directly towards assisting kids right here in RVA.

Raising money can be fun and easy! Swimmers can take pledges on the sheet attached- either a flat donation or a pledge per lap. They can also accept donations through our fundraising page. https://rvacaresswim.dojiggy.com

Your swimmer can Register on this website and then send our their unique URL to friends and family requesting donations under their fundraising page. (they don't have to start a fundraising page if they don't want to though). Donations can be made directly online and directed toward CRA. Remember, the top fundraiser will win a huge prize pack so I hope you will encourage your swimmer to take part in making a difference in his/her community. We are challenging each swimmer to raise $100.

We have 3 short weeks to raise money, I hope your swimmer(s) will be excited to participate and begin fundraising today. I will be sending out a Sign Up Genius for help with a few things (water, Gatorade,etc.) in the coming week.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am thrilled to introduce you to an action packed morning on June 28 and hope you will join in Canterbury's unwavering support of our community.

Kindly,

Stephanie Becker

[email protected]

804.334.8702