I am writing this email to address some concerns that have been brought up recently concerning all of the fund raising that MAST is now "offering" it's members.

As the economy stumbles along, everything seems to be getting more and more expensive. And our paychecks seem to be getting smaller and smaller. So even the cost of swimming can seem daunting to many families.

The MAST Board wanted to come up with some ways to combat the cost increases by offering a number of events that will allow some of the money to go to help paying the swimming fees. NONE OF THESE ARE MANDATORY!

Our lap-a-thon went very well and many families will see a nice little boost to their swimming account because of the wonderful effort that they put in to it.

We are, also, offering a cookie dough sale coming up. You are not required to participate, but with the holidays coming up a lot of families might like the Otis Spunkmeyer brand of cookies around for the holidays or to make the dough as a gift. And the families that need another little boost to their swimming account may participate in this sale.

We are doing a few MAST sponsored get togethers at local area restaurants so new and old members of our team can gather and socialize all while taking a break from staying around the kitchen and fixing meals at home. Again, we'd love for as many people as possible join us so we can get to know you, but this is just an offering and not a requirement.

I hope that this eases the minds of those who feel that we are asking you to give us all of your time (and money). We appreciate your membership, we love the kids on the team and we are seeing a lot of improvement in the program as a result of all of the families, old and new.

If you have any further concerns, please feel free to email me, Coach T or to speak with any Board member at practices so we can alleviate any of those fund raising anxieties.

Thank you for your time,

Coach Craig