Would this work as a fund raiser?

Alrighty guys, here's the situation:

As part of Relay For Life (a fund raiser for cancer treatment and research), I have gotten approval to launch model rockets.

Here is my plan. Please read the whole thing first.

We would get an area at least 200x200 feet square in the corner or end of the general Relay For Life activities. We would have a booth/table facing the main Relay area, with the 15 foot radius 'launch zone' directly behind us, and the recovery area directly behind that. In the recovery area is a flag/banner that would be a recovery target, the idea being that the rocket would either streamer or 'chute down near the target after it's flight. A contest to get closest would allow the winner to receive a prize of some sort (gift card, etc). Access would be tightly controlled, with no one allowed in the launch or recovery zone when a rocket is on the pad or in flight. If there is mass interest, we would launch the rockets all first, then shut down the launch system and let everyone in the recovery area. If it's a trickle, we'll launch and recover one at a time. I would be the RSO, and no kids allowed in the launch zone unless the system is safetied, and under the direct escort of an adult (myself or the child's parent).

Obviously, I wouldn't fly with high winds, fire hazard, inclement weather, etc.

I would have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit on hand.

The rockets would either be Alpha IIIs or Vikings, painted white, flown on A8-3s. Purchase price would be 7 dollars a rocket, 2 dollars per engine, 10 dollars for rocket and 2 engines (you can fly as many times as you want at the Relay before the 'contest' ends), and of course, they can keep the rockets. There would also be stickers and markers for kids to decorate the rockets they bought.

I would have 2 launch systems...primary and backup. The primary is the main system, would have a car starter power source. Backup would be a more conventional porta-pad setup...would be pressed into service as a secondary launcher if interest was really high.

Okay, what I need from you guys...weaknesses in the plan. What have I missed? Approach this from the perspective of a kid who has no or little experience with rocketry. Remember, the end goal is for the kid to have fun, while we make money for cancer research.

Let fly with those spears...

FC

My gut instinct tells me that you are not giving yourself enough space for 18mm motors, and possibly not enough for 13mm.

Having said that, you can still have a fabulously fun time doing the whole event with MicroMaxx engines. One benefit to using MMX motors is that the models stay fairly low so they can be seen for the entire flight. Another plus is that with such small models and low propellant mass, the possibility of an errant rocket hurting a spectator is reduced.

The other direction you could go is with a full-on Applewhite event. Instead of using traditional rockets with streamers or parachutes, use a bunch of saucers and other Applewhite designs that recover using aerobraking. The big surface areas of the saucers are perfect for decoration and dedication messages, plus saucers are less sensitive to wind gusts, and fly in a much more predictable arc than traditional sport flyers.

This sounds like a fun concept for a fundraiser, but I would really spend some time considering the ingenuity of human stupidity. All it would take is a single moron ignoring or misunderstanding the standard safety rules that you've presented to them for this hobby to get a major black eye. I'm sorry to sound so very negative, but a lifetime spent in IT security and support has made me more than a little paranoid when it comes to overestimating the intelligence of my fellow man.

Oh, and post pictures, whatever you do!

G.D.

I did something similar for a neighborhood party (sponsored by a local church -not mine) a few years ago. Since the church sponsored the event it was free. We used the free Art Applewhite designs photocopied onto card-stock. the kids (and adults) could sit at a table, cut them out, and glue them together and then launch as soon as the glue was dry.

Given your space requirements, I think that the aerobrake recovery rockets are your best bet. Low flights, high visibility, easy construction, still LOTS of fun.

You may need more help. We ran two launchers and still need several volunteers (two or three) to keep things flowing. A few times I was alone and simply could not keep up.

Okay, so far the weaknesses noted are space, manning and possible safety concerns.

Space I may be able to increase. However, I do like the idea of the the Art Applewhite saucers...they look like a hoot. But obviously I'd have to get them built, which may take longer than a typical Viking construction...I'd have to test build one first. Hmmm...maybe there is a FedEx/Kinko's near my hotel... Also, I'm wondering out loud about the appeal of 'non-pointy' rockets to a typical kid (specifically, the type I used to be back in the day).

As far as safety goes, I can certainly understand the concern. I really can't think of much else to keep the area sterile other than actually putting up a fence. I've already planned on making it 'single point entry' to the extent available without a fence. The good thing...it doesn't cost anything anything for me to do this...if I don't do it due to weather/wind/safety, even if I cancel the day of, no one loses any money. If I don't think I can keep it secure, I can call it a day.

Manning...yeah, I was starting to wonder about this myself as I started fleshing it out. 2 people are definitely not enough. The good thing is that we have planned on a maximum of 12 rockets, just to make this a test case. I keep thinking 4 people is what we really need...1 RSO/director, 1 front desk person/security, 1 security/escort ('this is where you go', etc), 1 recovery area 'runner'/distance marker, with switching out duties during the event so no one gets too tired.

FC

Peartree said:

I did something similar for a neighborhood party (sponsored by a local church -not mine) a few years ago. Since the church sponsored the event it was free. We used the free Art Applewhite designs photocopied onto card-stock. the kids (and adults) could sit at a table, cut them out, and glue them together and then launch as soon as the glue was dry.

Given your space requirements, I think that the aerobrake recovery rockets are your best bet. Low flights, high visibility, easy construction, still LOTS of fun.

You may need more help. We ran two launchers and still need several volunteers (two or three) to keep things flowing. A few times I was alone and simply could not keep up.

Click to expand...

Cool idea John, thanks for sharing.


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FastCargo said:

Okay, so far the weaknesses noted are space, manning and possible safety concerns.

Space I may be able to increase. However, I do like the idea of the the Art Applewhite saucers...they look like a hoot. But obviously I'd have to get them built, which may take longer than a typical Viking construction...I'd have to test build one first. Hmmm...maybe there is a FedEx/Kinko's near my hotel... Also, I'm wondering out loud about the appeal of 'non-pointy' rockets to a typical kid (specifically, the type I used to be back in the day).

As far as safety goes, I can certainly understand the concern. I really can't think of much else to keep the area sterile other than actually putting up a fence. I've already planned on making it 'single point entry' to the extent available without a fence. The good thing...it doesn't cost anything anything for me to do this...if I don't do it due to weather/wind/safety, even if I cancel the day of, no one loses any money. If I don't think I can keep it secure, I can call it a day.

Manning...yeah, I was starting to wonder about this myself as I started fleshing it out. 2 people are definitely not enough. The good thing is that we have planned on a maximum of 12 rockets, just to make this a test case. I keep thinking 4 people is what we really need...1 RSO/director, 1 front desk person/security, 1 security/escort ('this is where you go', etc), 1 recovery area 'runner'/distance marker, with switching out duties during the event so no one gets too tired.

FC

Click to expand...

Actually why not simple get a stack of the free AppleWhite 13 mm stuff printed up and let the participants decorate them with markers, put them together and the launch them.

Bob

bobkrech said:

Actually why not simple get a stack of the free AppleWhite 13 mm stuff printed up and let the participants decorate them with markers, put them together and the launch them.

Bob

Click to expand...

The main consideration is time. The event itself is an afternoon. We would have to build the rockets ahead of time so that they are pretty much RTF except for the kids decoration.

But the good news is that I test built 3 rockets after running down to the local Kinko's and having them print out some for me (67 cents total...wow)!. Took about 30 minutes each and seem to dry pretty quickly.

I'm starting to lean more using the Applewhite rockets (though now it means I have all these bulk rockets with nowhere to go) because of their small field performance and if I get a large field after all, maybe offer some of the other rockets we have as non-contest participant flyers. Also, the pricing for the Applewhite rockets would be WAY reduced since the cost is now practically nil.

FC

Well, we had the event on 13 May (yep, Friday the 13th). Details (and some pics) will be incoming...unfortunately, there won't be too many pics due to being busy as hell during the event.

After Action Report will be posted soon.

The pic is of 'the fleet' created for the event...

FC

The Event: Relay for Life (RfL) by the American Cancer Society...basically an all-night relay walk-a-thon to raise money for cancer research, treatments, etc. Our part was our team was going to give away rockets and sell launches.

The Layout: The area consisted of two parts. The main RfL area (primary field) was the size of a football field, with generous grass margins, surrounded by low bleachers. This area was layed out in a 'running track' fashion, with various teams in tent setups on the 'inside' of the track. The main RfL area has a low fence around it, with four large gates, one at each corner. Adjacent to the main RfL area was a second area (secondary field) about the same size. This area was rougher, with a gravel road, a small depression/ditch at the far end, and a hill at the closer end. This would be our flying area.

The Plan: The launches would be done during daylight hours. The Art Applewhite rockets (AARs) would be given away, but engine tokens would be sold at $5 per engine, $10 for 3 flights. Also, 4 rockets (modified Vikings) would be sold at $8 per rocket, with $10 for a rocket and flight. The rockets would be picked up at our 'teams' booth in the main RfL area, and 'tickets' would be bought there, each ticket representing an engine. They would then walk to the corner of the RfL field, where the flights were set up. They would exchange a ticket for an engine, which would be loaded on the launch pad. Launches with the AARs would compete for prizes on recovery...4 closest recoveries to a particular target would get a prize. The Vikings would be flown as non-competitors. Also, during 'lulls' in activity, Art and I would launch our own rockets to attract attention.

Execution: First, a HUGE shout-out to Art Applewhite. Art lives nearby and volunteered to help out after I first contacted him asking if we could use his rockets (modified with sponsor logos) in this fund raiser. Quite frankly, this would not have gone on well at all had he not shown up with a 4 post launchpad and his Forte' launch controller. In addition, he helped run the kids through the process as things got really busy and kept us on track. He didn't need to do all he did, and I'm very grateful for all the help and knowledge...plus he flew a couple of his models on F composites...THAT got some attention!

The earliest we could start setting up was 5:00 PM, with sunset as our limiting factor of 8:30 PM. Due to traffic, Art and I didn't arrive until about 6:00 PM. Official ceremonies would start at 7:00 PM, concluding at about 7:30 PM and just various events through the night.

So, we setup about 6PM, and had the whole secondary field to ourselves. The only disadvantage was the wind was blowing toward the primary field, a hinderance in keeping the rockets in the designated launch and recovery area.

We flew rockets on and off as all the teams were setting up in prep for kickoff at 7:00 PM, including a priority Stealth on a F just before the start of ceremonies. In addition, I had prepped 25 1/2A motors to be ready. Business was slow until 7:30PM, after the ceremonies.

Then it got BUSY, and we had a steady stream of kids (and some adults) flying rockets until 8:30PM. A couple of times, it got overwhelming, sometimes losing track of who was next, who had a rocket engine ticket, etc. We were pretty much getting kids out to launch 3 at a time, with one of 4 post of pads being used for the bigger stuff.

No incidents or accidents were noted...a couple of my models drifted on recovery into the main area. No losses or damage to any models noted.

Folded up shop and was leaving at 8:45 PM. Other self induced buffoonery followed, but unrelated to rocketry.

Things Noted:

1. The area setup was perfect. By having the main RfL event at the field surrounded by bleachers and a fence, us having the launch pad control at the corner gate leading into the adjacent 'rougher' field was great...it allowed us to have very tight controls on who could go into the area, maximizing safety.

2. We needed more manning. Just 2 of us wasn't enough when things got busy.

3. All the flying was done in a compressed amount of time due to sunset...now if we rig for night flying, we might be able to increase that.

4. Advertising! Our team had only a couple of signs about the rockets...so most of our business was word of mouth.

5. Everyone really did have fun...all the kids loved launching rockets. In fact, there were more than a few comments of 'Only you guys have stuff to do that kids like...'

Lessons Learned:

1. Keep it low and show! Don't build high flyers...a couple of my lighter demo rockets drifted farther than expected. The modified Vikings (modded to take mini Estes engines) worked fantastic. And of course, Art's rockets were a hit.

2. Recovery contest - not worth the effort...it resulted in delays that weren't needed. Contest will be ditched for the next time.

3. Free reusable rockets were a hit, except no one was reusing them! Because they had to wait to pick theirs up due to the contest, they were simply going back to the main table and getting a fresh rocket. For next time, the buying process will be much simpler. Rockets will be sold with engines pre-installed and ready to go. Kids will buy the rockets, then walk right over to the flight area to fly...no exchanging tickets for engines, etc. The AARs will be reusable, but it'll be simply easier just to pretend they are semi-disposable.

4. The flight area needs at least 4 people. One person must be the RSO...his sole job is to operate the launch system and overall safety. One person at the gate to greet and crowd control incoming flyers. 2 'floaters'...their job will be to meet kids at the gate, and take a group of them (either 3 or 4). Each floater will then be committed to those kids until they have left the flying area. He will 1) escort them to the launch pad to place and hook up their rockets, 2) stand with them at the launch controller to fire their rockets, 3) corral them and help them recover their rockets and 4) escort them off the field and pick up the next group of kids at the gate. This also allows us to have more than one group of kids at a time...one group can recover their rockets while the other group moves from the gate to the launch pads to load their rockets...each group having proper supervision. And a fifth person...to be a dedicated photographer/video dude...I was too busy to get some good pics (or hardly any actually).

5. The AAR rockets, after being recovered by each group of kids, will be dropped off in a box at the gate. Assuming each kid has written his name on the rocket, at the end of the flying, a raffle will be held, and those box of rockets now become a box of raffle tickets. Once the raffle for prizes are done, kids can claim their rockets if they like. This does 2 things...one, it speeds the process of flying rockets, allowing more throughput and two, gives incentive to buy multiple flights...multiple flights means more rockets, which means more chances to win the raffle.

6. Have a plan for misfires...we had a couple of them. Best thing is to have some spare ready to go engines prepped at the launch controller, so a quick engine change would be possible.

7. Build a big rocket...thinking having a larger rocket sitting out in front of our stand will give folks a BIG hint that you can do something cool here. In addition, I'm in discussions with the person who is the main committee member for RfL for San Antonio to integrate the rockets into the overall ceremony in 2012, including possibly larger liftoffs for things like the balloon release, anthem, etc. Apparently, everyone was talking about the rockets and had nothing but good things to say.

8. Keep the launch rods slick...near the end, we noticed the rockets were starting to get a little 'hung' up. Two AAR rockets took the rod out...one actually flying with it and landing upright. Funny, but could have been ugly. My wife has hit upon the idea of using wax paper to rub up and down the rod as needed.

9. Most of the flying had to be done after the ceremonies...during the 'setup' phase, most kids are too busy trying to help the parents setup their particular booth...but perfect time for demo flights...

In the end, we had a pretty good time, and grossed about $140...not bad for $40 of expenses in a one hour period of flight, while simultaniously getting out the word about rockets.

Looking through my few photos, I have really no good pics at all. I'm hoping more parents of the kids will post some stuff, so maybe I can get some pics posted here.

Any other comments about the event or AAR? I'd love to hear ideas of how we can improve for next year.

And now it's time to buy all the rest of the Scout's 1/2A3-4Ts....

FC

I'm glad to hear that it all worked out and that you were able to raise some money for a good cause. Good going FC and good going Art!