Help Waterbabies Stay Afloat!
Donation protected
Our background...
23 years ago I was inspired by my new baby Rosie and our amazing Australian baby-swim teacher Cookie Harken to open my own swim school. We had such a great family bonding experience while learning to swim that I decided I couldn't wait to share this experience with other parents and babies. I trained with Cookie and soon after we moved back to the States. I taught for others for a few years and then in 1997 Waterbabies Aquatic Program was born and we have never looked back! Following in my mentor's footsteps our program has promoted family bonding and touch communication, water safety education and swim skills for the thousands of kids and parents that have come through our program. We started with parent and baby classes and grew (because people didn't want to leave) to preschoolers, school-age kids and even their parents and friends. Many of our swimmers have gone on to have great swim team careers.
The current situation...
Fast forward to now and the current COVID-19 pandemic, Waterbabies, like many small businesses, has had to temporarily close our doors. With no income now or for the foreseeable coming months, our money in the bank is quickly dwindling and it is becoming increasingly difficult to pay all of the monthly bills needed to maintain the business. We have been working tirelessly on loan and grant applications, among other things, hoping they will come through to provide some relief, only to receive a 6 month loan deferment so far. This leaves many other things that still need to be covered. Additionally, most Waterbabies instructors and staff have been able to successfully apply for and receive unemployment during this layoff period; however, several teachers were unable to qualify and are now struggling to pay their rent and cover bills.
How you can help...
We understand that there are many individuals and businesses in need. It is our hope that alumni, current and prospective Waterbabies families who can will contribute to this fund. Many of you already know the importance of our program in the community and the impact swim lessons and water safety skills have had on your children. Any amount donated is greatly appreciated, and for every $25 you donate, your name will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a year of free swim lessons for one of your kids!
Everyone is struggling in one way or another during this time so if offering a donation is not something you can do, please help Waterbabies Stay Afloat by spreading the word to friends and families who can! All donations raised will help Waterbabies as a business and Waterbabies as a team to stay in business so that we can get back in the water one day -- hopefully safely soon!
Thank you!
We have deep gratitude for all the wonderful families that have learned to swim in our program. We love what we do and we want to keep doing it! On behalf of myself, Vera Garibaldi - Director and Owner, and the entire staff at Waterbabies, we truly appreciate your support.
23 years ago I was inspired by my new baby Rosie and our amazing Australian baby-swim teacher Cookie Harken to open my own swim school. We had such a great family bonding experience while learning to swim that I decided I couldn't wait to share this experience with other parents and babies. I trained with Cookie and soon after we moved back to the States. I taught for others for a few years and then in 1997 Waterbabies Aquatic Program was born and we have never looked back! Following in my mentor's footsteps our program has promoted family bonding and touch communication, water safety education and swim skills for the thousands of kids and parents that have come through our program. We started with parent and baby classes and grew (because people didn't want to leave) to preschoolers, school-age kids and even their parents and friends. Many of our swimmers have gone on to have great swim team careers.
The current situation...
Fast forward to now and the current COVID-19 pandemic, Waterbabies, like many small businesses, has had to temporarily close our doors. With no income now or for the foreseeable coming months, our money in the bank is quickly dwindling and it is becoming increasingly difficult to pay all of the monthly bills needed to maintain the business. We have been working tirelessly on loan and grant applications, among other things, hoping they will come through to provide some relief, only to receive a 6 month loan deferment so far. This leaves many other things that still need to be covered. Additionally, most Waterbabies instructors and staff have been able to successfully apply for and receive unemployment during this layoff period; however, several teachers were unable to qualify and are now struggling to pay their rent and cover bills.
How you can help...
We understand that there are many individuals and businesses in need. It is our hope that alumni, current and prospective Waterbabies families who can will contribute to this fund. Many of you already know the importance of our program in the community and the impact swim lessons and water safety skills have had on your children. Any amount donated is greatly appreciated, and for every $25 you donate, your name will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a year of free swim lessons for one of your kids!
Everyone is struggling in one way or another during this time so if offering a donation is not something you can do, please help Waterbabies Stay Afloat by spreading the word to friends and families who can! All donations raised will help Waterbabies as a business and Waterbabies as a team to stay in business so that we can get back in the water one day -- hopefully safely soon!
Thank you!
We have deep gratitude for all the wonderful families that have learned to swim in our program. We love what we do and we want to keep doing it! On behalf of myself, Vera Garibaldi - Director and Owner, and the entire staff at Waterbabies, we truly appreciate your support.
Fundraising team: Fundraising team (2)
Vera Garibaldi
Organizer
Renton, WA
Vera Garibaldi
Team member
