Terms of Service
1. Corporate Identity & Charitable Status
Fencing Forward is a trade name (dba) of Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 99-0834900). All funds raised support our mission of providing fencing access, discipline, and personal growth to underserved youth.
2. Donations, Endowments, and Restricted Funds
- General Donations: All contributions are irrevocable gifts to Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc. and are non-refundable.
- Meredith Delgado Endowment: Donations designated for the Meredith Delgado Endowment are “restricted funds” used to support long-term, multi-year fencing and educational programs. While we prioritize the donor’s intent, the Board of Directors retains the authority to redirect funds if the specific program becomes impossible or impractical to execute, following “cy pres” principles to support a similar charitable purpose.
- Fence-A-Thon Pledges: By making a performance-based pledge, you authorize us to calculate the final gift based on official event results.
3. Charitable Auctions and Sales
From time to time, we may conduct silent or live auctions.
- “As-Is” Sales: All auction items are sold “as-is” without any warranties regarding condition or value.
- Binding Bids: A winning bid constitutes a legal contract to purchase.
- Tax Limits: You acknowledge that for tax purposes, only the amount paid in excess of the Fair Market Value (FMV) of an item is potentially deductible. We will provide FMV estimates for your records.
4. Assumption of Risk: Fencing as a Combat Sport
Fencing involves physical combat, rapid movement, and the use of metal weapons (foils, epees, sabres).
- Inherent Risk: You acknowledge that participation in fencing carries inherent risks, including but not limited to bruises, strains, or more serious physical injury.
- Waiver of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc. and its staff from any liability for injuries sustained during our programs, whether caused by negligence or the natural risks of the sport.
5. Youth Programs and Participant Requirements
Participants in programs funded by the Meredith Delgado Endowment or other scholarships must adhere to specific criteria (including but not limited to GPA requirements, school attendance, and financial literacy course completion). Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc. reserves the right to terminate scholarship support if these standards are not maintained.
6. Intellectual Property & User Content
- Our Content: All logos, branding, and “Fence-A-Thon” materials are our property.
- Media Release: By participating in events, you grant us a royalty-free license to use photographs or videos of participants for promotional, social media, and fundraising purposes (subject to our Privacy Policy).
7. Limitation of Liability
IN NO EVENT SHALL YOUTH FENCING CHICAGO, INC. BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. OUR TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID BY YOU TO THE ORGANIZATION IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.
8. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
- Jurisdiction: These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.
- Mandatory Arbitration: Any disputes shall be resolved via binding arbitration in Cook County, Illinois, through the American Arbitration Association.
- Class Action Waiver: YOU WAIVE THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION.
9. Contact Information
Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc. / Fencing Forward
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://fencingforward.com