FAQ: How is SANCA Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Dated: December 9, 2020
Yesterday, Governor Jay Inslee announced that SANCA cannot offer classes until at least January 4, 2021. As a result, all SANCA classes and camps are cancelled until then.
Will SANCA survive this latest closure and the uncertain future?
Despite the many challenges the pandemic and closures have caused SANCA, the short answer is YES, we will survive. In 2020, the SANCA community has stepped up generously with record-breaking levels of giving. Individual giving has doubled from 2019 levels ($184,109) to nearly $400,000 this year. Overall, contributed income – which includes COVID relief grants, foundation giving, employer matches, and the federal government’s PPP loan (forgiven) – has reached nearly $1 million. That’s up from $466,088 in 2019.
This is incredible! SANCA’s supporters and students – all of YOU – have made it possible for SANCA to survive the pandemic’s closures and reduced operations. Not only is SANCA able to survive to now, it has built a reserve that will help us weather the storm even if pandemic restrictions continue for all of 2021. We are so grateful for this generous, loving community!
We still have work to do, though. SANCA’s earned revenue losses exceed $900,000 in total, and will likely continue to grow. So the overall losses are greater than the increased giving, but we have also done everything we can to reduce and eliminate expenses. SANCA will end 2020, somewhat miraculously, with a surplus.
SANCA still needs your help. Our Fall Appeal is ongoing through December 31. Your gift before the end of the year will support SANCA in this time of need, help us continue to offer online classes and limited in-person classes (when permitted and safe), provide scholarships to low-income youth, and support our incredible staff. You can support circus classes for our community at www.sancaseattle.org/give.
When will SANCA start offering classes again?
Governor Jay Inslee has announced that SANCA cannot offer classes until at least January 4, 2021. As a result, SANCA will remain closed until then. SANCA does offer a variety of online classes so you can stay fit during the closure.
When can we enroll in Winter Session classes?
There is no set date for when SANCA will open enrollment for Winter Session. It is necessary for us to know that we can open before we start enrolling students, so it’s possible that we may not be able to announce enrollment until very close to the end of the current shut down.
What is the plan for the Up With a Twist event?
SANCA’s big glamorous fundraiser usually occurs in February each year. The 2020 event was a huge hit! Due to the pandemic, Twist is postponed to late summer or early fall 2021. SANCA leadership is waiting until later in the Winter or early Spring to make a determination if the event will be held in-person like always, or if it will be conducted as an online streaming show.
What safety measures are in place when the gym reopens?
To ensure the safety of our students, staff, and surrounding community, and in consideration of public health, SANCA has developed and continually updated new policies and procedures in regards to sanitation and social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Masks are required. No one will be admitted to SANCA without a mask that covers the nose and mouth. Masks must be worn inside the facility, even when working out.
Learn about all of SANCA’s safety procedures during the COVID pandemic.
What else is SANCA doing to recover lost revenue?
SANCA’s leadership has been incredibly busy, even during full closures, as they seek out and apply for relief grants and other means of support. We have monitored and applied for just about every available avenue of support and relief funding, including the State of Washington’s recent offering to support restaurants and fitness centers shutdown by the recent closure.
If you are aware of other sources of support that SANCA should approach, please let us know by emailing Development Director Jeff Deveaux at jeff@sancaseattle.org.
If you have additional questions about SANCA’s financial status or wish to see financial reports, please contact Executive Director John Tannous at johnt@sancaseattle.org.
Dated: December 9, 2020. This FAQ will be updated regularly.
