Roller Derby is a business. Each regular league meeting is chaired by the president, and within its organization are many committees. These volunteer staffers manage:
- Budget
- PR & Sponsorship
- Recruitment & Membership
- Web Design
- Skater Development …
But one of the more interesting and universal aspects of the roller derby business is its charitable giving. Real dollars are needed to rent rink time, purchase uniforms and manage events. Rink rates can exceed $100 per hour in some areas. To raise money, increase public awareness and attract potential recruits and sponsors, fundraising efforts are often tied to charity events.
During the month of April, here are just a few of derby’s benefit/fundraising events around the country:
- 3rd Annual DERBYTAUNT Ball 2007
Just like a debutante coming-out party (well, sort of) the fresh meat, wearing the traditional white, will receive their team assignments. A $7 cover charge will buy food, drinks, music & dancing. And a portion of the proceeds goes to the New York City Alliance Against Rape.
- Bartending for Charity
Not only are patrons served a drink by their favorite Rollergirls, but all of the tips plus 5% of the sales from this event are donated to Springboard for the Arts. Who’da thunk?
- Charity Bout in April
In addition to their ticket purchase, spectators are asked to donate an item to support Coalition on Temporary Shelter. This month the suggested donations are children’s items: coloring book, children’s book, K-12 school supplies …
In fact, the list of all of the charities supported by just one league (Minnesota Rollergirls) is significant as well as heartwarming.
Carry on, my Derby Angels.
*****
Photo by the magnificent Kat Deem
5 comments:
That's awesome.
What exactly goes into "skater development" I wonder...
No, Johanna, it isn't hazing or initiation rites! The skater development committee actually runs the practice drills, trains new skaters in the required skills, administers the skills certification test and submits the proper documentation to the WFTDA.
oh, ok.
just a bunch of legitimate stuff : (
that's still pretty cool, and i guess it keeps the danger levels down to have everybody at a relatively comparable skill level. That certainly seems a lot more progressive a method than most sports.
I now wonder if rollerderby picked up enough to take off as a televised, pro sport whether the development committee would stay put or if it would become more competitive...
Mama,
For fun! (Enjoy...)
Oh,that's rich! I've met some rank monkeys at the zoo, but never a penguin.
My favorite line in the article: "He is the first penguin to hold this rank in the Norwegian (indeed, any) army."
Ha! Thanks!
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