Help spread the word

Rene Cueva

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you for visiting my page. I am participating in my team's Hit-A-Thon and Home Run Derby to raise money to offset my expenses for our Sharks trip to Cooperstown, New York this summer.

I'm excited because I'm going to get 10 pitches at the Hit-A-Thon and Home Run Derby and add up the distance of my five longest hits. Prizes will be given for the most funds raised, total distance, and total home runs. I'm asking for sponsors to help me reach my fundraising goal. Will you help by making a pledge per foot or by making a simple flat donation?

NOTE: The team does not recommend pledging more than $0.03 to $0.05 per foot, it can add up very quickly if I'm as successful as I hope to be! (for example, If my total reaches 1,000 feet and you pledge $0.05 per foot, your pledge would be $50)

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement!

About this fundraiser:

Our kids learn as much off the field as they do on the field. We believe this is because of the incredible players, the awesome coaches and more importantly the incredible support from our families and community. Please know that no amount is too small. Your ongoing backing and support of our players is truly appreciated. We look forward to an amazing season and thanks again!

Details of the Sharks Hit-A-Thon and Home Run Derby Below:

ABOUT THE SHARKS:
The So Cal Sharks Baseball organization (Sharks) is an independent, competitive, 11 years old and under travel baseball team and a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The Sharks organization was commissioned for youth in the surrounding communities of La Habra, La Mirada, and Whittier, for the sole purpose of providing a positive youth baseball program for the children in our community and to support the values of amateur sports: teamwork, friendship, healthy competition and sportsmanship. As a non-profit, we are asking for your support to help us provide this experience to the players of the Sharks.

WHY ARE WE RAISING MONEY FOR THE TEAM?
The Sharks are fortunate enough to be heading to Cooperstown, New York this year for their final tournament this summer. Each player is responsible for their own expenses and fundraising for their respective costs and the Hit-A-Thon and Home Run Derby raises will help them in those efforts. We are fortunate to have extremely low monthly dues, especially when compared to other travel ball teams. Additionally, we have dedicated VOLUNTEER coaches and no paid staff in this organization, 100% of the expenses go to our youth participants.

HOW DOES THE HIT-A-THON AND HOME RUN DERBY WORK?
The Hit-A-Thon is very similar to a walk-a-thon. Each player solicits sponsors who pledge to make a tax-deductible donation. The amount of the pledge can be based on the total distance (in feet) each player attains. Each player gets ten hits, and we count the five longest hits. The distance of those five hits is totaled for the player’s score.

SHOULD I PROVIDE A FLAT DONATION OR PER FOOT PLEDGE?
Many sponsors find it easiest to provide a flat donation of $5, $10, $20 or any amount.
Other sponsors will pledge a certain amount per foot, usually between $.03 - $.05. Our 12 year old boys will typically hit 900-1500 feet. Much of the excitement of our contest centers on the unknown factor of how far a player will hit—and consequently how much they will raise.

HOW CAN PEOPLE PAY?
To make collecting payments as easy as possible, the Sharks have created our website with 99 Pledges for secure payments. This limits the time you would need to go back and collect funds from supporters. If someone prefers to send a check, payment can be made out to "So Cal Sharks".

DO THE PLAYERS ACTUALLY ENJOY THE HIT-A-THON AND HOME RUN DERBY?
This will be a highlight of the baseball season. Kids enjoy hitting for distance, earning prizes, seeing who hits home runs and the break it provides during the season. This year the Sharks will hit on Monday, February 26, 2018.

WHAT IS OUR GOAL?
The more players who participate, the better for their individual fundraising goal towards offsetting their Cooperstown, New York expenses. Each boy's expense for the trip is $1,000 plus travel costs.

HOW DO I GET THE WORD OUT TO RAISE MORE MONEY EASILY?
Players will receive a link to their personal page on 99 Pledges which they simply share via email and social networks.