Charity fund raising ?

[Fascadale]

A question to Jesters and wantabe Jesters

I fully agree that commercial sponsorship of a Jester entry is a no no, contrary to the to the spirit etc: commercialism, professionalism, advertising, dirty words.

But what about using a Jester challenge as a charity fund raising vehicle?

I'm not thinking of anything large scale that would seek commercial sponsorship which might demand advertising, more the sort of annoying friends, family and colleagues with "Will you sponsor me a fiver to sail the Atlantic, all proceeds to Oxfam" type thing.

My employer, a local authority, might look more favourably on an application for unpaid leave of absence if it had a charity fund raising tag attached.

What do you think, " Go on, sponsor me a penny a mile to go sail away, all cash to Children in Need"

Contrary to the Jester ethos or what ?

Sail safe.

 

[CPD]

I think this is an interesting point. The only thing that stops my getting wholeheartedly behind it is the scenario that could develop where you are under a financial pressure or obligation to finish the race/challenge, when in actual fact what you should be doing (weather, gear probs etc etc etc etc etc) is heading for the nearest port, accepting that you will not complete it, but knowing you are withdrawing for the right reasons and not pressing ahead for the wrong ones.

I understand the level of fundraising you are talking about and in actual fact whilst typing this have come up with a suggestion for the sponsorship form, which should read "for crossing the start line ........".

Having thought of that, I am now fully behind it /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Fascadale]

I think the points you are making are very valid.

The financial pressure/obligation you talk about reminds me of the Crowhurst tragedy; I certainly would not want to invite that sort of stress.

Your suggestion about being sponsored to cross the start line is a good one. I think getting myself, the family and the boat (and the employer)ready for the start will be a great achievement in itself.

Sail on.

 

[CPD]

Absolutely right, and this point has already been made elsewhere about just making it to the start line. The problem may be getting others to understand that !