Rider Fundraiser - Help / Advice ?

KTMkarl794

KTMkarl794

PR Addict
Got some bummer news about a good friend of mine who traveled down from Michigan to ride Beans with me this past weekend. Went a little long in the new front jump line, landed flat, snapped both his ankles. Currently doesn't know yet if he will need surgery as the swelling is so bad he has to wait to see a specialist.

Here's the real kicker...back before his x-wife divorced him and took all his money and toys, she talked him out of the low deductable insurance plan because she didn't think they could afford it, well had this happened next week, his new insurance would have been in place, $500 deductable and 20% out of pocket. Instead, he's looking at a $3000 deductable and 30% out of pocket.

He's still recovering financially from the divorce (don't get married in your early 20's!!) and one of the nicest, god-fearing, do anything for ya kind of guys who just loves to ride. So I'm trying to figure out the in's and out's of setting up some kind of riding fundraiser (or any fundraiser really) for him to maybe put a dent in his medical bills.

I'm contacting local dealerships and tracks to see what kind of help they could offer. In my head I would like to rent a track for a day, offer anyone who comes out a practice day for maybe $10-15, and all proceeds go to helping him get back on his feet (literally). Even if I could get some free swag from some dealers to give away, 15 bucks a head and 100 riders to come out, I'd be thrilled.

I know the rider community down here is awesome, track owners are awesome, and many of you have experience with this sort of thing. Curious of anyone can offer any advice or suggestions.
 
KTMkarl794 said:
Got some bummer news about a good friend of mine who traveled down from Michigan to ride Beans with me this past weekend. Went a little long in the new front jump line, landed flat, snapped both his ankles. Currently doesn't know yet if he will need surgery as the swelling is so bad he has to wait to see a specialist.

Here's the real kicker...back before his x-wife divorced him and took all his money and toys, she talked him out of the low deductable insurance plan because she didn't think they could afford it, well had this happened next week, his new insurance would have been in place, $500 deductable and 20% out of pocket. Instead, he's looking at a $3000 deductable and 30% out of pocket.

He's still recovering financially from the divorce (don't get married in your early 20's!!) and one of the nicest, god-fearing, do anything for ya kind of guys who just loves to ride. So I'm trying to figure out the in's and out's of setting up some kind of riding fundraiser (or any fundraiser really) for him to maybe put a dent in his medical bills.

I'm contacting local dealerships and tracks to see what kind of help they could offer. In my head I would like to rent a track for a day, offer anyone who comes out a practice day for maybe $10-15, and all proceeds go to helping him get back on his feet (literally). Even if I could get some free swag from some dealers to give away, 15 bucks a head and 100 riders to come out, I'd be thrilled.

I know the rider community down here is awesome, track owners are awesome, and many of you have experience with this sort of thing. Curious of anyone can offer any advice or suggestions.
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Gonna be tough if he is realitivey unknown from the Ohio area, we have done collections at the gate for people, and allot of times people won't do it if they don't know who it is.

Keep that in mind when planning a benefit event
 
gotta love that insurance. mine was 3k for about 3 years, at which time i think i had 4 surgeries over the 3 years. after that i got 80% coverage leaving me with 20% on top of it.

sucky for sure. this year i think i have a $1800 deductable, maybe 1200, either way its still too damn high.
 
Contact them, sometimes if its gonna draw more people than normal, tracks will do a percentage, like $1-2 per rider to donate plus a donation jar, you could roll a ticket drawing into it like we just did for Tim Dettling
 
Check out https://fundrazr.com/

This website has helped me in the past to raise money for my son. It is a great way for family and friends to donate without the hassle of writing checks and what not. Donations can be kept confidential too for those that don't like the attention from giving to a cause.

Gun raffles are very popular as well. Call your local gun shop and get them to give you a good deal on a gun and give them money to hold it for you until after the raffle. Or if they like the cause they may hold it without a deposit. Sell tickets for $10 or $20 but limit tickets to a reasonable amount so the buyer feels like they have a good chance of winning. I have seen $300 shotguns raise 1500-2000 bucks!

I think what you are doing is great and I wish you luck!
 
Chilli Town MX said:
Check out https://fundrazr.com/

This website has helped me in the past to raise money for my son. It is a great way for family and friends to donate without the hassle of writing checks and what not. Donations can be kept confidential too for those that don't like the attention from giving to a cause.

Gun raffles are very popular as well. Call your local gun shop and get them to give you a good deal on a gun and give them money to hold it for you until after the raffle. Or if they like the cause they may hold it without a deposit. Sell tickets for $10 or $20 but limit tickets to a reasonable amount so the buyer feels like they have a good chance of winning. I have seen $300 shotguns raise 1500-2000 bucks!

I think what you are doing is great and I wish you luck!
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Good stuff thanks for the info!
 
Talk to the hospital. There are more non insured patients in America today. The hospital cuts you a deal at a fraction if the cost. Then they write off the remainder as a loss. Tell your case manager at a hospital you can afford this. They'll work with you.
 
Thanks for all the info guys.

The gun raffle started to get a little complicated and maybe not enough notice. I ended up doing a raffle for a $250 gift certicifate to MotocycleSuperStore.com and sold T-Shirts at Irish Hills MX in Michigan (He is a member of the club that holds the open practices and does all the track maintenance).

The $10 tickets were more reasonable to sell than what I wanted to charge for the gun raffle tickets, T-Shirts were $15 and sold out (mental note for next time, people prefer tangible items over a "chance" at winning a raffle).

All in all it turned out to be a great day and we raised enough to be able to pay for almost half of his deductable (I even got to put in a moto at the end of the day).

It makes me damn proud to be a part of the MX community when I see how so many of us understand the ups and downs that come with this sport and how many people are willing to help out a fellow MX'er. I truly believe this sport creates a common bond amongst the riders unlike any other sport.

Thanks again for the help!
 
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