Fox Valley United Way's "What Floats Your Cardboard Boat" Race!

Description

A Crazy Cardboard Boat Race?  How Does That Help the Needy?

You would be surprised.

For the past 13 years, we've hosted a "What Floats Your Cardboard Boat" Race in Aurora that draws dozens of organizations and hundreds of spectators.

Every year, we look to see what unique themes that businesses, community organizations and families have chosen for their boat's decoration.  Even better, the "sailors" are often costumed to match the boat.  In years past we've had a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theme (with a bearded Ryan Dowd, Executive Director of Hesed House in Aurora as Snow White).  We've had an airplane, with "Captain Sully" the hero of the Hudson River landing.  We've had Caterpillar earth movers, Harry Potter automobiles, and even a lemon (yes, a boat that looked just like a lemon). 

Our staff spends a year organizing the event, and with the help of sponsors, volunteers and enthusiastic boat builders, it keeps growing in the number of participants, and in popularity with the community.  It takes a lot of work, but there's a method to the madness.

It's All About the Community
Our job as the Fox Valley United Way is to take the collective caring power of the community and channel it to make the greatest difference for the greatest number of people in need.  We recruit donors, volunteers and advocates to support 49 social service agencies in Kane and Kendall counties.  On August 1, 22 more agencies will be on our roster, as we will take over the work of the United Way of Central Kane County (St. Charles, Geneva, Wasco, Elburn, Kaneville, Campton Hills, LaFox and Maple Park).

The boat race is a great deal of fun, but it has a purpose.  With an excited, captive audience of hundreds of people, we have the opportunity to showcase the social service agencies that we support.  Many will have a booth or table where they can share information about what they do, and get people excited about volunteering.  Many of the agencies will also participate in the race. 
 
We are amazed each year how effectively these organizations--who are on the front lines of serving the neediest in our community and have little money for marketing or promotion-- are able to network with the people who want to give and/or volunteer.  It's a connection they may not otherwise have a chance to make.

We also have a chance to connect community members with their local politicians (e.g. Mayor Tom Weisner from the City of Aurora), local firefighters and police.  In fact, the annual rivalry between the firefighters and police in a heated race to the finish is always a highlight of the event.  SINCE WE ARE TAKING OVER FOR THE UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL KANE COUNTY ON AUGUST 1, WE EXPECT TEAMS AND SPECTATORS FROM ST. CHARLES, GENEVA, CAMPTON HILLS, WASCO, LAFOX, MAPLE PARK, ELBURN AND KANEVILLE AS WELL.

Businesses and organizations have a chance to get their name out in front of the community by building boats that are put on display before the race so that attendees can vote for their favorite.  They can also sponsor the race and have their name added to our t-shirts, press releases, website content, email newsletter and annual video.  We get press coverage as well, which is an added bonus for those looking for "good will" publicity.

Add in awards for winners in various categories (including "Most Spectacular Sinking"), musical entertainment and delicious food, and it makes for a great family fun event right before the school year begins.

So when you're thinking about improving employee morale, promoting team-building and volunteerism, or ways that you can impact your community, think out of the box.  Maybe out of a cardboard box.  Consider fun, challenging and engaging ways for your group to come together and make a difference in the community.

Or come and be part of our event!  You can find all of the information you need, including how in the world anyone can keep cardboard afloat, here on our website.