Charity Ride Fundraising
I’ve been riding the Pan Mass Challenge for 10 years. It’s a 2-day nearly 200-mile ride, but that’s actually the easy part (with some training).
I’ve been successful in raising large amounts of money for a few reasons, I believe. First of all, I’m very passionate about the cause and I share that passion, and my specific reasons for riding, with my sponsors. Many of them have been impacted in some way by cancer and are happy to have a way to help. Many thank me for “doing something.”
My email list is rather large and all-encompassing. I don't really group my solicitations in any way, I simply ask everyone. It helps spread awareness, and I’m often surprised by the results — sometimes those who you might expect a contribution remain silent, and those who I might not expect anything from contribute significantly.
I also send multiple requests/reminders. I don’t bug people, mostly because I hate that and I don't want to be annoying. Generally, I send one notice a couple of months before the event and a second just a couple of weeks before the event. I usually send a third broadcast, which is a reminder as the event approaches. Many contributors often thank me for the reminder.
The week of the ride, I send a note out asking sponsors to keep an eye out for the local media coverage. It's another opportunity to thank them for their support, and to keep awareness for the cause up.
Finally, I always send a follow-up letter letting everyone know how the event went, how much money we raised, etc. Think about it, if you put down $50 or $100 or more to support an event, wouldn’t you like to know how it went? I include photos, anecdotes, and a final message about the cause/passion for the event. I think sponsors appreciate it and that it helps them to feel part of the event (which they are! the most important part!).
What are your charity ride fundraising strategies?
Photo Credit: borman818
Check out the Prouty Charity Rides to the North
Alice Nelson 2009 Ultimate
I've been a committed Pan Mass Challenge rider for 10 years. It's perhaps the biggest and best cycling fundraiser in the world. That doesn't mean there aren't a lot of other great charity rides.
Charlie Kimbell, director of the Prouty Ultimate and Prouty Century Ride and Walk Challenge, recently told me about his group's great rides up North in New Hampshire and Vermont.
Inspired by the impact of cancer many years ago, the first Prouty ride was held in 1982 by four nurses, in honor of their patient Audrey Prouty. Monies raised benefit the Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Norris Cotton Cancer Center.
Each event caters to a different group. “The Prouty Century is the best ride for a first-time century rider. There are SAG stops every 10 miles, the ride is fully supported and the terrain is not too difficult," Charlie explained.
The Prouty Ultimate caters to a small group (limited to 150) of more serious riders. It's a two-day, double-century ride that is as scenic as it is challenging. Charlie explains, "We took the time to include country roads along rivers and streams, around lakes and through quaint New England towns and farmland. " And, because the group is limited in size, "There is great camaraderie amongst the riders."
Check out all the details at their web site: Prouty Rides
Pan Mass Challenge: Registration Open Today
Registration for all riders opens today for the Pan Massachusetts Challenge, the nation's largest cycling fundraiser event. Even in tough economic times, the PMC raised over 30 million dollars for cancer research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute last year. The "classic" route, which I'll be tackling for the 10th time this year, starts in Sturbridge, MA and ends in Provincetown, MA. The ride is just under 200 miles and takes two days to complete. Over the years the event has expanded to include multiple routes (there are now 9). Each is a different length, covers different terrain and carries different fundraising requirements, but all contribute in a meaningful way to cancer research.
The beauty of the event, which has always been tremendously efficient, is that in recent years 100% of rider-raised dollars go to cancer research. Rider registration fees and corporate sponsors cover operating expenses to make this possible.
The event is uniquely inspiring and has a tremendous impact on progress toward treatment - and hopefully ultimately a cure - for cancer. Go to the PMC website at www.pmc.org and learn more.
Photo Credit: Nantaskart!
Subscribe via RSS by clicking on the icon to the left.Or receive updates in your email inbox by entering your email address below and clicking "subscribe."
My PMC Ride 2010
- Fundraising reaches $3,514!One week to go! Permalink | Leave a comment » […]
- Fundraising reaches $3,309!Thank you to all the supporters who have been so generous in sponsoring my ride with the PMC this year. I just sent in some checks for deposit and our new fundraising total is $3,309! Only $891 to go to reach the minimum, and $1,691 to reach the $5,000 goal. Permalink | Leave a comment » […]
- Back on home turfToday's training was back on the shady tree-lined back roads of the North Shore, with a welcome change in temperature and humidity. Twelve days until the PMC rolls off. Permalink | Leave a comment » […]
