What is the Mt Baker Boating Advisory Council (BAC)?

The BAC is a is a group of volunteers dedicated to the success of the Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center facility. The BAC is a subpart its fiscal sponsor — the Associated Recreation Council (ARC), which is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that under agreement with Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) manages recreational programs for more than 30 recreation facilities throughout the City of Seattle, including community centers, small craft centers, and more.

What is the BAC’s purpose and function?

Under a written agreement with ARC, the BAC is commissioned to work with SPR as a co-sponsor for all programming offered by Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center. The BAC collaborates with ARC and with SPR staff who are responsible for the facility (Jason Coffman, Phaedra Ogden, and others), providing advice and counsel about annual priorities and budgets for all Center programming.

The BAC also raises funds for several important needs that are not covered by the fees that SPR charges for its programming. All renewal of equipment used in programs and all financial aid granted to participants is 100% funded by the BAC. Donations and grants also help fund equity/inclusion initiatives, occasional subsidies to defray out-of-town travel costs for program participants, and other boathouse support. The funds come primarily from fundraising events and campaigns that the BAC organizes each year. These events and campaigns typically include the Juniors Row-a-Thon (March), the Annual Fund Campaign (May), a Spring Social event (late May/early June), and a Winter Social (November or December). Check out our blog posts related to fundraising to learn more about our events and fundraising goals.

Does the BAC meet together regularly?

Currently the BAC virtually on the fourth Wednesday of each month, from 4:30-6:00pm. These meetings are open to anyone, please inquire at the boathouse office or with one of the current BAC members if you would like to attend.