Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to participate?
Participants must be 10 years of age by September 1st of each year to enroll in the upcoming program.
How are benefiting organizations selected?
Each participant selects a Local, Non-Profit, Disability Service Organization to benefit from 40% of their campaign funds. The first $250 of these funds will be towards a disABILITYsa basic nonprofit membership. Participants name their top three selections during enrollment. Organizations are approached in order of preference by the disABILITYsa team until we find an organization who is able to accept the terms of being a Fiesta Especial Benefiting Organization.
How are credit card processing fees handled?
100% of the funds received through each Candidate's GoFundMe/Facebook account will be recorded toward each person's campaign. However, credit card processing fees from GoFundMe/Facebook will be deducted from the 40% of funds raised that are allocated to a disability service nonprofit of the candidate's choice.
Is the Fiesta Especial Royal Court a program or a campaign to raise funds?
The Fiesta Especial® Royal Court program follows the traditional platform for Fiesta® Royalty and is run the spirit of Fiesta, an annual 10 day celebration that raises financial support for the nonprofit community of San Antonio. Fiesta®, in itself, is about giving back to the community we live in. While the El Rey Feo program provides scholarships, the Fiesta Especial® program provides both grants to organizations serving individuals with disabilities along with a community based instruction program for special education classes during Fiesta®. However, unlike the other royalty programs of Fiesta®, all individuals who participate in the Campaign Session of the program, and raise the required $625 minimum, are eligible to move into the Appearance Session of the program at varying degrees of participation regardless of the amounts raised through their campaigns.
Only 1/2 of the Fiesta Especial Leadership and Life Skills development program uses campaigning as a platform for leadership and life skills development. The Campaign Session kicks off with a workshop and provides supports to each program participant as it teaches the skill sets of Setting Goals, Developing a Plan, Asking for Support, Identifying Networks, Communicating a Clear message, etc. Their campaigns enable them to put into practice the lessons reviewed in the workshop. All of the funds raised through each program participant’s campaign are then split between providing the Fiesta Especial® Celebration Day program for special education and disability programs at no cost to the students or clients and a nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities selected by the Fiesta Especial® program participant. While developing the leadership and life skills through the Fiesta Especial program, these individuals are also creating visibility for the leadership and contributions individuals with disabilities make in the community.
The Fiesta Especial® Royal Court program follows the traditional platform for Fiesta® Royalty and is run the spirit of Fiesta, an annual 10 day celebration that raises financial support for the nonprofit community of San Antonio. Fiesta®, in itself, is about giving back to the community we live in. While the El Rey Feo program provides scholarships, the Fiesta Especial® program provides both grants to organizations serving individuals with disabilities along with a community based instruction program for special education classes during Fiesta®. However, unlike the other royalty programs of Fiesta®, all individuals who participate in the Campaign Session of the program, and raise the required $625 minimum, are eligible to move into the Appearance Session of the program at varying degrees of participation regardless of the amounts raised through their campaigns.
Only 1/2 of the Fiesta Especial Leadership and Life Skills development program uses campaigning as a platform for leadership and life skills development. The Campaign Session kicks off with a workshop and provides supports to each program participant as it teaches the skill sets of Setting Goals, Developing a Plan, Asking for Support, Identifying Networks, Communicating a Clear message, etc. Their campaigns enable them to put into practice the lessons reviewed in the workshop. All of the funds raised through each program participant’s campaign are then split between providing the Fiesta Especial® Celebration Day program for special education and disability programs at no cost to the students or clients and a nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities selected by the Fiesta Especial® program participant. While developing the leadership and life skills through the Fiesta Especial program, these individuals are also creating visibility for the leadership and contributions individuals with disabilities make in the community.
I've never done campaigning before. Do you offer any support?
Fiesta Especial® is interested in your success! The Campaign Season will kick-off with a workshop on campaigns where each candidate will develop their campaign speech along with a plan of action for recruiting support. disABILITYsa provides a list of fundraising resources as well as access to marketing materials and more. disABILITYsa provides this support equally to all participating organizations and candidates. If disABILITYsa helps to develop a fundraising idea or material, it will be shared with the rest of the candidates via our online resource center.
Each candidate will receive access to a CrowdSource account, a customized electronic flyer and facebook cover image. There are wonderful volunteers available to be matched up at Mentors with program participants.
Each candidate will receive access to a CrowdSource account, a customized electronic flyer and facebook cover image. There are wonderful volunteers available to be matched up at Mentors with program participants.
How is the Fiesta Especial Royal Court Program funded?
The program itself (staff, sashes, crowns, gowns, admissions, medals, pins, occasional transportation, etc.) is funded through individual donations, sponsorships, and special events put on by a volunteer committee at disABILITYsa . NONE (0%) of the funds raised from the candidate's campaigns are used in underwriting the costs of the program. 100% of the funds raised go to put on the Fiesta Especial Celebration Day for local Special Education and Day Habilitation Programs and to support the programs and services of the approved Benefiting Organization of the candidate's selection.
The program itself (staff, sashes, crowns, gowns, admissions, medals, pins, occasional transportation, etc.) is funded through individual donations, sponsorships, and special events put on by a volunteer committee at disABILITYsa . NONE (0%) of the funds raised from the candidate's campaigns are used in underwriting the costs of the program. 100% of the funds raised go to put on the Fiesta Especial Celebration Day for local Special Education and Day Habilitation Programs and to support the programs and services of the approved Benefiting Organization of the candidate's selection.
What is the financial requirement for this program?
The Fiesta Especial Royal Court Leadership and Life Skills Development program is available to program participants at little to no cost to them and/or their families! There is no cost to enrollment or participation that is required to experience the full benefits of the program. There are optional costs that individuals and families may elect to participate at their own discretion, but these activities are not a required part of the program.
disABILITYsa will cover the costs of all admission for the Royal Court member and ONE (1) Attendant to every appearance.
Optional Expenses:
disABILITYsa will cover the costs of all admission for the Royal Court member and ONE (1) Attendant to every appearance.
Optional Expenses:
- Physical Campaign Materials
- Fiesta Medals may be purchased for your program participant. (A list of retailers will be provided at the Campaign workshop in September.)
- While we provide an abundance of materials for the capes, families may elect to purchase additional material and adornments.
- Supplies for Fundraisers must be purchased by the families if going to the extra expense. Expenses may be with-held from the fundraising revenues BEFORE they are submitted to disABILITYsa for the candidate's campaign.
- Appearance Admission Fees for guests beyond the court member and one attendant are the responsibility of the family or guest.
- Banners for the Parade may be purchased by the family or posters can be handmade for FREEish!
- There are other opportunities to upgrade your court members experience that will have a cost associated, but none are a requirement for full and meaningful program participation.
It seems as though this process might set the individual up for disappointment. What happens if they do not raise enough to secure a position on the Royal Court?
At disABILITYsa , we believe that children and adults living with a disability deserve the same opportunities as people without disabilities to participate in community life. Not every child who competes in a contest wins a gold medal. Not every person who wants to be the Fiesta Especial King or Queen will attain that position. This does not mean that they should not participate to gain the benefit of developing their skills or competing. It just means that they are allowed to experience the same joys – and sometimes disappointments – that others get to experience. There is value in setting goals and working to achieve those goals. We make every effort to recognize the accomplishments of each candidate.
Unlike the other royalty programs of Fiesta® where only the top individual makes appearances during the Fiesta season, all individuals who participate in the Campaign Session of the program are eligible to move into the Appearance Session of the program under one of numerous court titled positions. Each program participant will be awarded positions on either The Fiesta Especial Royal Court and will be invited to participate in the Fiesta Especial Coronation, appearances and in the Fiesta Especial® Flambeau parade. There is recognition and participation for everyone.
Unlike the other royalty programs of Fiesta® where only the top individual makes appearances during the Fiesta season, all individuals who participate in the Campaign Session of the program are eligible to move into the Appearance Session of the program under one of numerous court titled positions. Each program participant will be awarded positions on either The Fiesta Especial Royal Court and will be invited to participate in the Fiesta Especial Coronation, appearances and in the Fiesta Especial® Flambeau parade. There is recognition and participation for everyone.
If I get a major contribution, are there recognition opportunities for the donor?
Yes, Fiesta Especial® will work with you within the scope of the Royal Court to make sure major contributors at the $1,000 level and above are recognized in a mutually agreeable manner.
What type of commitment is involved?
Each program participant will need to commit to attending the following events at a minimum:
- Fiesta Especial Campaign Workshop
- Fiesta Especial Kick-Off Campaign Event
- Fiesta Especial Cape and/or Fiesta Medal Workshop
- Fiesta Especial Reveal Party
- Fiesta Especial Appearance Workshop & Family Orientation
- Fiesta Especial Coronation
- 1 School Visitation Day (2-3 Options, and participant may attend both)
- Fiesta Especial at the Flambeau Parade (2nd Saturday of Fiesta)
- 1 Media Appearance
- 3 other appearances
- Fiesta Especial Royalty Reception & Alumni Induction Ceremony (Wrap-up & Graduation) (May)
