It Is National Giving Tuesday: Splash Wars Episode 66, RSA's Annual Swim-A-Thon Fundraiser, Is Live!
Dear RSA Families:
Today is National Giving Tuesday. In conjunction with the national day of giving, RSA is launching its annual Swim-A-Thon fundraiser. Splash Wars Episode 66, a nod to Star Wars and RSA’s sixty-sixth year, will put the fun in FUNdraiser. Challenges. Raffles. Prizes. Flash sales. Let the fun begin.
Many of you may have questions about Swim-A-Thon. Let’s talk Swim-A-Thon.
What is a Swim-A-Thon?
A Swim-A-Thon is a USA Swimming approved fundraiser that benefits the club team (RSA), the USA Swimming Foundation, and other entities chosen by the club team (the Boys and Girls Clubs serving Wake County). Primarily, money is raised in three ways:
- donations are made on behalf of a swimmer here or via check or cash
- families make donations through their employers' giving plans and request matching gifts or
- businesses choose to be sponsors.
RSA is a 501c3 nonprofit. Our EIN# is 56-1312540.
Why does RSA host a Swim-A-Thon?
RSA hosts a Swim-A-Thon to support the USA Swimming Foundation and RSA’s programming. Swim-A-Thon gives RSA’s athletes the opportunity to recognize the importance swimming plays in their lives by participating in a vitally important component of RSA’s fundraising efforts.
What is the goal of Swim-A-Thon?
This year our goal is to raise $50,000 to help RSA continue to innovate and provide truly exceptional programming for our athletes.
Through a unified goal, we hope our athletes learn about teamwork and have fun while fundraising.
But, really, what is RSA going to do with the money?
There are several things RSA would like to purchase this year from Swim-A-Thon funds, including:
- backstroke flags for Sunset
- backstroke flags for the instructional pool at Sonner
- backstroke flags for the deep pool at Sonner
- an underwater camera system for Sonner and Sunset
Who is invited to participate in fundraising?
All RSA athletes are asked to participate, from the youngest Tarpon to Senior Gold. We need your help to meet our goal.
When are we supposed to fundraise for Swim-A-Thon?
Fundraising for Swim-A-Thon has started! Fundraising will continue through May 16, 2026. Each month will be filled with prizes and incentives, as well as weekly raffles and special practice group challenges.
How do we fundraise?
Fundraising is virtual through our portal. However, if athletes want to ask family members and friends for donations in person, that is ok too! Donations (cash or checks) may be turned into the Business Office or to lead coaches. The Business Office staff will update the portal with the donations to make sure all athletes receive credit for their donations.
Note checks should be made payable to Raleigh Swimming Association.
Is there an actual Swim-A-Thon event?
We will celebrate meeting (and hopefully exceeding) our goal on May 9th with a carnival-themed event, including food trucks, pool floats, games, and prizes. A swimmer must raise $125.00 to gain entry to this exclusive event.
Do the athletes earn prizes?
Athletes can earn individual prizes, as well as group prizes. Individual prizes include incentives from RSA, as well as incentives from USA Swimming. RSA prizes include:
- A Star Wars keychain for athletes who raise money for Swim-A-Thon
- A custom Splash Wars Episode 66 cap for the first 250 athletes who raise $125.00
- A chance to pie a coach on Pi Day for athletes who raise $250.00
- And much more…
What sort of prizes do the groups get?
- Donuts for the group when the group raises $1,500.00
- A chance to spin the Wheel of Misfortune when the group reaches a 50% participation rate
Those are just a few of the many prizes to come!
Watch for exciting additions to Swim-A-Thon like flash sales on experiences with coaches. Check your emails and follow our socials.
If you would like to join the 2026 Swim-A-Thon Committee, you would like to sponsor the event, or you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
Join the fun. May the splash be with you.
