OVERWEIGHT SPONSOR NEEDED!!!!!!!!

NO! That's not what I'm talking about!

After flying with my sled to Calgary last week, I realized just how much I'll be charged for overweight and extra luggage this year.... It's SCARY! All major airlines are now charging for every piece of checked baggage. That's not including overweight costs. When I travel for Skeleton, I have a minimum of 3 bags. Of those, 2 will be above the limit of 50 lbs. Unfortunately, 90% of my stuff is equipment and is essential for competing (Sled, race and practice runners, tools, helmet, race and practice spikes, speed suits etc...) There is extremely limited space for clothes and personal things once my equipment is stored. I get serious packing anxiety because I have to leave so much of what I want to bring behind. Trust me, it's not fun wearing the same pair of jeans for two months in Europe... Skeleton athletes don't have the luxury of traveling with an elaborate wardrobe.

I estimate that I will be spending over $4,000 in overweight/extra luggage fees this year alone. United charges $15 for your first bag, $25 for your second bag, $125 for your third bag. On top of that they will charge $125 for EACH overweight bag (Did I mention oversize charges as well? My sled is technically oversize but sometimes they overlook this one). Without including oversize, this all adds up to $415 just for my luggage on a ONE-WAY trip. If you're curious, here's the link to the UNITED AIRLINES baggage policy:

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,1034,00.html#overweight

This tag is my worst nightmare when I'm traveling... Airline check-in people love to slap it on my bags followed by "how would you like to pay for your luggage"? I used to get so nervous at the counter wondering if I could talk my way out of getting charged... now, there's no chance... I'm most likely going to pay more for my bags to travel under the plane than I'll have to pay for my own seat!! Are we kidding?

This is not an expense that I was prepared for and I'm in serious need of a sponsor to help with my travel funds. Any donations can be tax deductible and will be put in my Athlete Training Fund. I would be truly grateful if anyone would be willing to help offset these costs!! If you are interested PLEASE email me.... or funds can be directly sent to:

Lisa Carlock - USBSF
1631 Mesa Avenue, Copper Bldg. Suite A
Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(Checks can be made out to the "United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation". My name should not appear on the check itself but on a on a note accompanying it, please request that your donation be put into the Athlete Training Fund of Keslie Tomlinson. Shortly after you will receive a tax ID# from the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.... and a HUGE THANK YOU FROM ME!!!!)