Bulldog River Run We met on April 29, 2013 at 11 a.m. in the District 208 conference room. Present for the discussion of the Bulldog River Run (BRR) were Dr. Kevin Skinkis- District 208 Superintendent, Art Ostrow- RB AD, Tony Garvey- RB Booster President and Jerry Buttimer- 2012 event developer. There was agreement that the first annual event on October 6, 2012 was both a success for RBHS and a positive event for the community. The main purpose of the meeting was to examine our form of organization for the 2013 BRR. The 2012 BRR was organized as the District’s event, under the athletic department, by a half dozen volunteers with both fund raising experience and race specific skills. 100% of proceeds were deposited in the District’s account for the benefit the high school’s sports. As we debriefed last fall, after 2012 BRR, the possibility of organizing under Boosters for the 2013 BRR was raised. While Boosters had been criticized in prior years for allowing its 501 (c) (3) status to lapse, failing to file IRS 990s and failing to report finances to the school and community, all recognized significant improvement in Boosters’ corporate activities in the last 18 months. Under significantly improved leadership the membership, concessions and garment sales as well as the public’s opinion has improved markedly. However, the issue of Boosters money used to support the 2006 political referendum committee needs final resolution. It was suggested that the easiest way to finally resolve the matter is for the Boosters treasurer be instructed to supply the records of the “missing bank account”, as it was referred to by the prior athletic director. The point was made that RBHS is the sponsor of athletic events; other groups, such as Boosters, help provide services for fans via concessions – in so doing raising money to supplement the RBHS sports budget. According to that model, RBHS collects the gate revenue. RBHS fulfilled a similar role for the BRR using Riverside Recreation Department as its agent for registration fees within an accountable system, rather than using a “ shoe box” full of money.
Bulldog River Run 1. Proceeds were used exclusively for RBHS sports at the discretion of the school and under its control. 2. The capital and financing costs were negligible -- but paid by RBHS 3. The risks were minimal but certificates of insurance, in large amounts were required by the County, Township ($10 million) and Village. In that regard, 2013 BRR could be similar to RBHS hosting a sporting event such as a football game and others of us, primarily Boosters, provide services and in so doing raise additional funds. Accordingly, it was proposed that 2013 BRR would remain an RBHS activity. The event organization would remain the same with Boosters a key partner providing concessions and possible other fund raising concepts. We concluded that these concepts not only fit the Board of Education’s fund raising policies but also exemplify the purpose. The district is the corporate authority and raises funds for itself within its established Bylaws, under governance of a publicly elected board, administered by paid professional staff and supplemented by volunteers. Funds raised by the District are deposited to the District’s account and treated the same as other District revenue. Discussion also touched on two topics deferred in 2012 since Swan Pond and the Hoffman Dam were being renovated. We anticipate having river events, such as a kayak event centered on Swan Pond, as an additional source of funds. This would be contracted to a professional firm to provide oversight and equipment and to minimize liability. We would add on to their charge to make money. The third component would be a split-the-pot rubber duck race with a fee per duck and monetary prizes to the winners. This would also be centered on Swan Pond and would likely be held “between the bridges”. To ease administration, this event could be administered by a contractor. The initial concept was to build an annual BRR that rounds out RB’s homecoming weekend, makes the HS a community centerpiece, and unites residents in celebrating the river and our heritage.
Bulldog River Run The group also expressed its interest in expanding the participant base which would also make 2013 BRR more attractive to market both RB in general, RB sports and RB Booster’s concessions. We anticipate close working relationships with Riverside Recreation as it adds a recreational event for the community, they handled registration in 2012 and both parties want a strong tie to promote effective use of facilities for the community residents’ well-being. We also anticipate working with the County and Public works in preparing the off road course and leaving a legacy of a year around running-path/river-walk for the community. Meeting adjourned at 11:45