I wouldn't do this but maybe this is common.
Friends of ours have a DD who takes baton and is going to a national competition in a few months, as with many things like that her team has done the typical fund raisers, car wash ect. Today I got a form letter basically saying where she was going and asking for $ for it for her, not her team. I know kids ask for sponsorships for things but it seems like those are more school related. My dd does all star cheering and I can't imagine sending people I know a letter to get them to chip in for the cost of nationals! Granted these people aren't rich and I will send the kid a donation but it just seems odd to me.

By Luvn29 on Friday, May 23, 2008 - 03:32 pm:

Not something I would feel comfortable with. I contribute to fundraisors, and even to the kids with buckets standing outside of Wal-mart. But to me, if you want to put your child in these competitions, then you should be able to afford whatever fundraising doesn't cover. Have a bake sell, whatever, but I don't like the idea of sending letters to people asking for money.

By Yjja123 on Friday, May 23, 2008 - 03:39 pm:

I think it is inappropriate. I would never expect anyone to chip in for my daughter's competitions. We pay 100% of it.
Having said that, it is something I have seen here. I think there are other ways to raise money.

By Reds9298 on Friday, May 23, 2008 - 04:11 pm:

Totally inappropriate IMO as well. Do fundraisers or pay out of your pocket. They know financial obligations when they sign up. I would have a hard time not saying something.

By Annie2 on Friday, May 23, 2008 - 04:42 pm:

I would never do that either. Some girls I know who were in competition cheerleading here go to businesses to ask for sponsorship.

By Debbie on Friday, May 23, 2008 - 04:49 pm:

Yes, inappropriate.

By Colette on Friday, May 23, 2008 - 04:54 pm:

Inappropriate, just toss the letter.

By Karen~admin on Saturday, May 24, 2008 - 10:26 am:

I think that particular fund raising method is inappropriate. In our area, many band/dance/school groups do group fundraising - as in for the entire GROUP - which normally includes car washes and different types of sales (magazines, cookies, low-end gifts, greeting cards, etc.). They also have a type of fund raiser where you *sponsor* a certain child, but they have to earn it - as in, you pledge a certain amount for a particular activity: Example - they participate in walks or runs, and you pledge X-amount per mile, etc.

I'd toss the letter too - it's pretty much like saying *pay for my child's trip*.

By Marcia on Saturday, May 24, 2008 - 07:24 pm:

Around here, the different clubs have some funds set aside for families who can't afford these extras. Instead of saying that kids from low income families can't take part, they can apply for some funding from within the group. It's not something that any other member would even end up knowing about. Our schools have the same sort of things, so that all kids can take part in all activities.