Cambridge University Womens’ Boat Club launches Sponsor a Seat 2011!

Two months until the boat race.

Two months to find the funding each girl needs.

February marks the start of Sponsor a Seat, the campaign to raise the £500 for every athlete to cover transport, accommodation, food, and racing kit costs needed to make the Henley Boat Races possible.

The race is on, and we need YOU to help us triumph over the Dark Blues.

Why do we need funds?

The financial burden placed upon each rower throughout the 6 month trialling period is immense, estimated at £1200 and often paid out of an already stretched student loan. The races then require significant additional expenditure;  all training shifts to Henley-upon-Thames, with all of the associated extra costs.

CUWBC annually looks to companies in and around Cambridge or Henley, or further afield, in addition to Colleges, Bursary funds and sports charities to help each athlete make this final push. This is also an opportunity for family and friends (who couldn’t sponsor CUWBC alone) to contribute to the success of the squad and the club.

All donations would be gratefully received no matter how small. Companies will be recognised on our website, with the option of appearing in the Henley Boat Races program for those donating over £150. Similarly, the same sponsors can appear on the t‑shirt worn by the squad during training as an excellent opportunity for any organisation looking to raise their profile amongst Cambridge University’s top graduates.

How can I help?

We offer multiple donation methods, including  online payment through The Cambridge Foundation. Since we are a registered UK Charity, CUWBC are also eligible for Gift Aid, a system whereby all donations are recieved by us with an added 28% tax refund, such that we recieve £1.28 for every £1 donated. As an added incentive, higher rate tax payers are also able to claim tax relief on the donation!

You can:

• Donate safely and quickly online via The Cambridge Foundation, allowing for the automatic application of Gift Aid for tax payers. Please choose “Cambridge University Women’s Boat Club” and follow the instructions provided.

• Send cheques payable to ‘The Cambridge Foundation’ to Izzi at below address along with the form available here.

• If you aren’t a UK tax payer, you can send cheques payable directly to CUWBC to Izzi at the below address.

• Buy a GDBO Mug, of which all profits go directly to SAS.

Contact Information

For further details about the Sponsor a Seat Campaign, please contact:

Isabel Boanas Evans, sponsoraseat@cuwbc.org

Murray Edwards College, Cambridge, CB3 0DF

Thank You.

Without your donations, six months of trialling couldn’t end in such a memorable event for all involved. You really can make a difference.

(Photos by Jimmy Appleton: http://www.jamesappleton.co.uk/)