How to help

Volunteer Opportunities

Helping a FIRST team like MARS is possible not only through monetary or material donations, but also through volunteering your time, sharing knowledge and more. Without the support of adult mentors, team 1523 could not exist. There are lots of volunteer opportunities available, depending on your interests, amount of available time, and area of expertise. While teachers and mentors with a technical or engineering background are always needed, the team benefits greatly from the support of non-engineering adult volunteers, interested parents and community members. For more ways to help FIRST teams please see the white paper 25 Ways to Sponsor produced by NEMO (Non-Engineering Mentors Organization).

Team Fundraisers

Participation in the FIRST Robotics Competition can be costly. In order to have the finances necessary to cover a multitude of expenses such as registration fees, the basic robot kit, additional materials or machining, tools, and event travel costs, MARS pursues various fundraising strategies. Student team members are responsible for soliciting a specified amount of money each year through corporate or family sponsorships and are expected to participate in team fund raising events. Community and parent support for these efforts are appreciated. Examples of team activities are listed. To see photos taken at an activity, click on the picture shown next to the event description.

Car Washes, July & August 2006 A favorite summer, off-season activity. Team sponsor GE regularly allows MARS to use their parking lot and to solicit customers/cars from their employees as well as the general public.

Jupiter High School Homecoming Booth, October 2006 This yearly carnival allows student organizations to raise funds through booths/carnival activities. The team ran a Basketball Challenge (loaned for their use) and awarded green aliens to skilled players. Displaying our 2006 FRC robot created added interest in the team's booth.

Community Rummage Sale, November 2006 Along with families and other community groups, MARS participated in Juno Beach Methodist Church's annual Community "Treasure Hunt" Garage Sale. Donated goods were sold to benefit the team; unsold items were given to a Resale Store benefitting victims of domestic violence.

MARS Merchandise Sales, Under Consideration Efforts are underway to develop a method of selling MARS merchandise/memorabilia at a small profit which would go to help the team. Currently team sponsor Sunshine Tree Montesori School gives MARS buttons and green alien inflatables to its families who donate loose change to the team.

Business Sponsorship Drive, Fall 2006 Following an educational and motivational presentation by our experienced Public Relations/Marketing mentor Sal Donato, students were given sponsorship packets, team ID badges and instruction on how to approach businesses and family for team monetary support. Businesses throughout the community were told about MARS Robotics and about the FIRST program. From donated goods to sponsorships anywhere from the $20 to the $1,000 range, our community and area businesses have been wonderfully supportive.

Business Supported Raffles/Auctions, Offseason 2006 Although Jupiter High School does not permit its clubs to hold raffles, MARS mentors have been able to raffle donated merchandise for the team through supportive business sponsors. Florida Turbine allowed employees to purchase raffle tickets for an Apple I-Pod and other goods, with proceeds donated to MARS. GE donated a standby home generator, refrigerator and other appliances used to benefit the team through MARS mentor-led auctions/sales.

Monetary Support

If you are interested in making a monetary donation, MARS can put it to good use and would like to thank you in advance for your gratuity. The documents that list sponsorship levels, information, and our 501-(c) 3 Tax-ID are attached to this page. Download the

2009-2010 Fundraising Letter and the 2009-2010 Sponsorship Packages if you wish to sponsor us. Thank you so much for your support. You truly are Mega Awesome. Please print them and mail to: Jupiter High Robotics Club Jupiter High School 500 N Military Trail, Jupiter Florida, 33458. Thank you so much for your help!