Robert Unger Moms, Pop, and Skaters (RUMPS)
RUMPS is a parent/skater group that helps our skaters raise funds for out-of-town competitions. Members can sign up to work at the Cafe Chalet and earn funds for his/her skater/s. Clothing swaps and other fund-raising events are also held throughout the skating season.
Concession Stand (Cafe Chalet)
Workers Needed
Sign up to work at the concession stand
and earn money to pay for competition
expenses. See the bulletin board at the
Ice Chalet for available time slots.
For more information, contact Jan Marshall.
History of RUMPS
In 1980, a small group of parents decided to get together to raise money for their ice skaters. They thought they might be able to raise some funds by hosting some sales at our local MVDC competition. They set up some tables outside to sell concessions. One parent had a home video camera -- he taped the entire competition, and skaters were very excited to be able to purchase a video of their skating. Another parent was talented at drawing; she drew miniature ice skates on gloves and hand towels, which were then offered for sale. One grandmother owned a flower shop and gave lessons in making bouquets to sell to skaters. One parent with a home computer and the help of a local printer printed the names of all the competitors on the back of sweatshirts -- making this the first skating competition to offer this popular item. It was a success.
This informal group took on the name Robert Unger Moms, and PopS (later changed to Robert Unger Moms, Pops, and Skaters) or RUMPS, and continued learning and growing. A local restaurant became involved and gave much time and material to help make concessions sales at the competitions a success. The parents decided to get the kids involved and to expand their fund-raising activities. They hosted a spring and fall rummage sale -- everone donated their goods to help make this a big success. With the kids, they hosted car washes and a skate-a-thon, and they sold doughnuts in the mornings.
RUMPS, with the Ice Chalet's approval, opened up regular concessions sales during Friday and Saturday evening public sessions. They started with a few tables, a double oven, a sink, a popcorn maker, and a crock pot. With Larry LaBorde's ingenuity, these items were installed on rollers and were put away after each session!
In the summer of 1999, Larry LaBorde and the Ice Chalet built the concession stand, donating all the labor and materials costs. RUMPS began adding professional equipment and selling concessions during all of the weekend public skating sessions.
Cafe Chalet
There is a long-standing friendship between RUMPS and the Ice Chalet ownership and management. Robert Unger provided tremendous support to the volunteers of this organization -- without his blessing, this group would never have had the opportunity to thrive. In return, RUMPS promotes the skaters and the Ice Chalet skating school programs by donating time and monies earned. RUMPS has helped the Ice Chalet host various holiday parties at the rink, act as ambassadors for the Knoxville Christmas Parade, and provide manpower to run the Nutcracker On Ice each winter and the annual Mississippi Valley District Competition each spring. One of the most important aspects of this group remains to promote an important premise of Mr. Unger's: an environment of team spirit and extended family.
There are no paid RUMPS employees. This is an all volunteer organization operated under the same principles as a PTA group. You can participate as much or as little as you like, and everyone is welcome at any level. Every little effort or donation is appreciated. All funds earned above operating costs are donated directly back to the skaters. Over the years, RUMPS has donated monies to help defray the costs of traveling to competitions, purchase team outfits for precision team skaters, and donated other items at the rink which have either directly or indirectly helped the skaters.
If you would like to help or know more about the program, any coach or staff member can put you in touch with an active RUMPS member.
Phone: (865) 588-1858; Fax: (865) 588-7509
Contact the Ice Chalet at icechalet@bellsouth.net
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