With just under $40,000 left, the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center’s annual “Pool Together” campaign is close to achieving its ambitious goal of raising $300,000 in the final days of the campaign.
“The health and well-being of our community have a direct effect on all of us, and we are all connected in making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Jimmy Francis, Executive Director and President of the RBAC.
“Following our awesome effort to break the Guinness World Record for the largest aqua aerobics class in history, we have great momentum in support of our annual campaign. We have rallied the local community to be a part of the work we do at the RBAC, and we are committed to continuing to change lives in our community”.
Since 1990, the RBAC has offered a world-class aquatics experience to thousands of children, youth, families, and seniors, extending the benefits of community, healthy living, water safety, regular exercise, and sports training far beyond the water.
The RBAC also provides need-based scholarships, with close to 900 beneficiaries so far in 2022. It is home to the Pasadena Unified School District Water Safety program providing swim lessons to EVERY third-grade student within PUSD schools. Students receive 15 free swim lessons, Water Safety curriculum, swimsuits, goggles, towels, and transportation to and from the Center as part of its commitment to making water safety accessible to all.
As a local employer, the RBAC provides nearly 250 jobs in the Pasadena area. Francis said fees for use of facilities at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center only account for about 90 percent of the revenue that’s needed for the Center to operate, so fundraising is essential to close the gap. By donating to the Pool Together campaign, friends and patrons will help ensure the RBAC can offer all programs, and continue facility enhancement activities, scholarships, and the PUSD Water Safety and Learn-to-Swim programs.
“A key priority for our fundraising efforts is to help invest in the recruitment and the retention of our employees,” Francis said. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a significant increase in both operational costs and employee compensation. We want to continue to pay competitive wages to help recruit and retain quality employees.”
Aside from separate swim teams for adults and children, the Center also organizes classes for swimmers with special needs, and water polo and dive training where children as young as eight can join.
In 2023, the RBAC will launch a new splash ball program for kids 5 to 9. Splash ball is a fun, non-contact shallow water activity based on water polo. Mike Gonzales, Head Water Polo Coach, says, “Introducing boys and girls to an aquatic team sport early in their aquatics training can make a huge difference in their enjoyment of the game.”
Also, in the new year, the Center will launch a new Wellness Collection. Featuring Tai Chi, PWR Moves, and Yoga among the Physical Therapy classes offered.
As a charitable organization, the RBAC is fundraising all year round, but the current Pool Together campaign ends on Dec. 31.
Francis said the easiest way to donate is through the RBAC website, www.rosebowlaquatics.org. Near the top of the website is a “Donate to the RBAC” button that you can click to go to the donation page.
Donors can also donate in person. The RBAC is at 360 N Arroyo Blvd., adjacent to the Rose Bowl Stadium. “We would love to see you put your Rose on the RBAC Rose Wall!”, says Francis.
To donate online visit: Make A Splash! Donate Today!
For more information, visit www.rosebowlaquatics.org.
