I read on another thread that the October regatta in Philly is for charity. This is NOT the case! That race, in its first few years, was for charity. But it no longer is. The organizer now uses this regatta for pure profit.

I have nothing against someone organizing a regatta for profit. But in this case, the organizer first attracted all those team to the regatta by giving the proceeds to charity. THEN she made the same regatta a for-profit venture -- and it seems that many (most?) participants still think that they are racing in a charity race.

It seems to me that it's a bit scummy to attract participants to a charity event for a few years and then very quietly turn the same event into a for-profit venture.

Here's the link: http://www.philadragonboatfestival.com/home%20page.htm

All I see is a Dragon Festival Website.
Where did it say that the Festival Organization keeps all the proceeds ?

Please offer some evidence of your accusation.

I'm not the original poster. But in response to the first question, are we supposed to assume that all festivals are donating their proceeds to charity? Because, if a website doesn't say its donating money to charity, my FIRST ASSUMPTION WOULD NOT be that they are still giving money to charity.

If an event is doing something for charity, they will plaster it all over the place for the exposure. A lack of this makes me think that they aren't affiliated.

Or did I miss it on the website?

"If an event is doing something for charity, they will plaster it all over the place for the exposure. A lack of this makes me think that they aren't affiliated."

That's exactly the case with the Philly race in October. If it were for charity, it would be say so. It no longer is, and the organizer is now pocketing the proceeds. If anyone wants proof, just send the organizer an email!

Sounds more like the Philly boys trying to stir up trouble because of their own event.

"Sounds more like the Philly boys trying to stir up trouble because of their own event."

Doubt it. Their event is probably dead in the water anyway.

But the October event's website makes no mention of money going to charity at all.

See for yourself. You can email the race organizer here: [email protected]

The october festival allows each TEAM to declare a charity if they wish to do so. No team is required to pledge to a charity. The Festival has donated sigificant money to many events and organizations, including Fairmount Park. As an event whose success is the result of hundreds of volunteers, thousands of partipants, suggesting a for profit motive displays a lack of comprehension that is difficult to measure.

Are you for real??

Nowhere in the VERY detailed website does it say anything about teams choosing to give their entry fees to charity. If I am mistaken, please post the link here.

BTW, Fairmount Park charges a fee to host events. It's not a donation.

It still looks to me like the organizer is using her former goodwill to profit.

"The october festival allows each TEAM to declare a charity if they wish to do so. No team is required to pledge to a charity."

ok, so what happens to the money that is not pledged to a charity? if the teams don't get a refund, SOMEONE is getting the money.