What a season!

An average of 1,212 of you flocked to our five home bouts at the historic Cincinnati Gardens, and some of you even traveled with us to our away games. We gave free tickets to Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Corryville Recreational Center, Millville Recreational Center, and Homeward Bound and donated $1,500 to 3 different charities. We attracted national attention when our skaters were included in a segment on roller derby's revival on ESPN's SportsCenter. Our all-star team, the Black Sheep, ended its 7-3 season with the biggest upset in the history of modern-day roller derby: The defeat of the then-3rd-ranked Carolina Rollergirls on July 19. And the Black Sheep rose in the ranks of our sport's governing body, the Women's Flat Track Derby Assocation, to become the No. 20 team in the nation and the No. 11 team in the East. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for supporting us this season. We couldn't have done it without you.

Now, we're asking for your help as we prepare for the most important event in our league's history: The Women's Flat Track Derby Association's Eastern Regional Tournament in Madison, Wisconsin Oct. 10-12. We are one of only 12 teams east of the Mississippi that WFTDA has invited to compete in the tournament. Now we just need to get there.

Even though our third season has been an unqualified success, that doesn't mean that our skater-owned and –operated league has been pocketing big profits. All proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales, skaters' monthly dues and sponsorships – mostly from small, locally-owned businesses – go back into the league to cover costs including venue rental, uniforms and ever-increasing travel expenses. No skaters make money from playing roller derby. Most of the skaters and support staff have full-time jobs and families, but they still devote many hours every week to the league, purely for the love of the sport.

That's why we still need to raise $1,000 to safely herd the Black Sheep to Madison in October and give them a place to stay so they'll be well-rested and ready to play. So naturally, we're putting the "fun" back in fundraising. Click on "Events" to find out how you can see us and support us in the coming weeks. Can't make it but still want to help? Click on the PayPal button to send us a donation of any amount. Even though your donation is not tax-deductible, you'll get the satisfaction of knowing that you helped send a winning Cincinnati sports team on the road to its first-ever regional championship. And don't be surprised if we come back with a win and a special way to say thank you.

Hugs and bruises,

The Cincinnati Rollergirls