Charity Events - Fund raising

Hey gang,

Every August I ride the Pan Mass Challenge to support the Dana Farber Cancer Inst. Each year the fund raising minimum increases and it is really becoming a full time job. I am "hooked" on the ride and can't imagine missing it. I was wondering if any of you have come up with new/different ideas on raising funds? I seek out matching funds, run raffles, etc. Just curious if anyone has any revelations. FYI - here is my web page in case anyone is interested: http://www.pmc.org/mypmc/profiles.asp?Section=story&eGiftID=CB0114

Thanks for any advise!
Craig

I started with the PMC in 2006 as a volunteer, then did the Sturbridge-Ptown route in 2007 and 2008. With the economy in the dumper, I decided this year was not a good year to be trying to do fundraising, so I will go back to volunteer status. Breaks my heart not be riding this year, but I can't rationalize committing to $4200. I plan to return to riding in 2010 though. From what I have heard from other riders, I am not the only one skipping this year.
As far as fundraising is concerned, one of the things I am planning on for next year is a block party. A couple of my neighbors came up with the idea. Get permits from the city, close down the block for 4 or 5 hours (I live on a small side street) and hold a fundraising party. Sell hot dogs, soda, etc, hold raffles, a giant tag sale, and so forth.
Good luck with the fundraising...that's the hardest part of the event....

geofitz - thanks for the reply! I too came very close to not riding this year and a good hand full of friends have passed it up this year. I know the $4200 is going to be a stretch but I had a couple close friends have close calls and a cousin lose her battle; my motivation is pretty high this year. We lost the 9 year old son of very close friends in 2001 and the thought of not riding was killing me. I've been pretty fortunate this year so I figure, even if I only raise 1/2 the $, I'll cough up the rest. I like the block party idea. A big event that gives you that "critical mass" would be huge. I've been thinking about trying to get a band (I have a couple aquaintences) and having a charity concert. Living in Maine makes it a little tougher to raise $ for an out of state charity. Any way, thanks again and I hope to still be riding the PMC when you return in 2010!

Craig:
The concert idea is a good one, if you can get the band to donate thier services.
Also, there is a Western Mass rider who is holding a "comedy night" at a local nightclub. I don't know the details, but I think he got some comics to donate thier time for this.
I was seriously thinking about taking a shot and was willing to personally "cough up" up to 50% of the minimum. Then my wife got laid off from her job. I'm really upset at not being able to ride this year, but I have to be realistic.
Unfortunately, I too, have heard from a number of other riders who are skipping this year due to the economy. It's interesting to note that the two-day rides are not fully subscribed yet. If memory serves me, they were "sold out" by the first of February in previous years.

George

yea i'd like to ride in this this year as well... last year would have been great but i only got into cycling around june, by then its far too late. are there any spring-time rides that have a smaller donation minimum? raising $4,200 would nearly be impossible unless some partners can donate from my audit firm

In May, there is Kaitlyn's Ride in Amherst MA. Choice of 10, 25, 50, or 100 miles. This is a "spoke" of the PMC, and all money raised goes to the PMC/Jimmy Fund. Fundraising minimum I believe is only $300. It's a one day fully supported ride, and it has been heavily promoted by a couple of local radio personalities. I rode it three years ago, then did two years of PMC riding. This year, because of reasons previously stated, I won't be riding the PMC (I will be working as a volunteer), so I will be doing K-Ride again. Nice countryside, not overyly hilly, although there are a few. A great way to spend a Sunday. I belive the date this year is June 6 or 7.
For information, go to Kride.com. Registration will open March 1.

Thanks for the thoughts and sorry for the delayed response - work has been crazy to say the least. I have also done a ride for the Brain Tumor Society (http://www.tbts.org/event/?Date=05/31/2009). It is well supported and a fun ride. I cannot possibly ask friends for more $ so 1 ride now gets all my attention.

Geo - sorry to hear about your wife losing her job. This economy takes no prisoners. Best wishes for getting back on track. The PMC will be waiting for you next year!

I'll still be involved with the PMC this year...just as a volunteer for the weekend. Don't know where I will be yet, but I know I'll be working all three days.