Keep Frances Flipping: Gymnastics Support

Time is running low on meeting our funding goal for Frances' gymnastics. We will have to make a decision about keeping her in the sport before June 12th when competition fees are due.

Please consider supporting Frances' gymnastics habit, and in doing so, freeing up funds for her brothers to also enjoy recreational activities. We are hoping to raise as much as we can so that we can keep Frances in gymnastics until the end of 8th grade, when she can choose to attend a High School with a team. Despite working full-time in demanding fields we find that we cannot sustain gymnastics. It came down to raising all of gymnastics related funds, or pulling Frances from the sport entirely.

Frances is simply the best. She's smart, funny, enthusiastic. She's a good friend to her peers and a wonderful sister to her brothers. We are immensely proud of her and all of her achievements. She has however, made the unfortunate choice to love the sport of gymnastics. "What's wrong with that?" you may be asking yourself. On the face of it, nothing! Gymnastics is a technically difficult sport that requires focus and commitment. She has an amazing coach, who encourages her and bolster's her self esteem. Her gym is filled with wonderful athletes and there is a spirit of support among the staff and gymnasts. It is however, one of the most expensive sports a kid can chose.

In order to achieve and maintain the skills needed to compete, you must practice at least 12 hours a week, in the fall Frances will likely be required to attend 16 hours a week, which will drive tuition up to $500 a month. Fundraising and scholarships are not the norm in this sport. I considered starting my own fundraiser, but the time and commitment needed to start such a fundraiser and make it successful, outweighs the benefits. So, rather than asking friends and family to buy an item they don't want or need, we are asking for direct donations.

This is a list of expenses your dollars will directly support.

Your contribution means direct help for Frances:

$1600 - Competition Fees for the year

$1000 - Travel expenses to competitions

$450 - One month tuition

$100 - Floor routine choreography

$300 - Competition Leotard

$100 - Competition Jacket

$80 - Competition leggings

$40 - 2 parents entrance to competition

$20 - 1 parent entrance fee

$10 - Parking for one event

Thank you for considering helping our girl stay in the sport she loves.