Organizing a poker run? motorcycle?

Question

I want to organize a poker run for my bro's charity.

It is in the Spokane, WA area. Anybody got any tips?

Answer 1

I feel like I'm cheating ;-)

I just answered this question for someone else and am cutting and pasting the answer below for you.  Maybe it will help?

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Good for you for doing something so positive!

This will be a big heap of work so get ready to roll up your sleeves. I've never done this but I've been on a couple of rides. Here are the things that I would think of if I were doing this:

Plan the route (how long is enough/ too long, scenic, gas along the way)

Do you need a support vehicle?

Create maps for people?

Do you need to brief the participants on the rules for safe riding?

Do they need to sign a waiver that they won't sue you for damage or injury while following the route you planned?

Do you have check ins along the way (like a poker run)?

Do you need permission from the city? Would this qualify as a parade?

Do you need police presence, any street blocades?

Are there other partners / sponsors you can bring on board to get manpower, prizes, etc in exchange for advertising?

Where will you start from? End at? Get permission to be there?

Will there be coffee and bathrooms at the startpoint? Food, places to relax, entertainment, prizes at the end? (Bikers like to eat)

How will you raise funds? (entry fee, 50/50 draw, refreshments)?

Will you have tshirts or other souvenires?

How will you you publicize it?

How can you minimize your costs if your attendance is low?

Can you find an interesting "hook" to make your ride unique? (Visit a special place? Have people wear goofy clothes over their gear?)

Pick the date.

Can you make sure there are no other signifiant events that could hurt your attendance (other rides, construction, etc)

Can you get a local celebrity or politician to come out, this shoudl get a news paper mention, help with publicity.

Get your local motorcycle training program and dealers to help promote the event and donate prizes. Maybe hit up 'bike friendly businesses' (restaurants, hotels, storeage facilities, etc) to help pitch in.

Some first steps:

Make a big list of stuff to think about.

Speak to the group you want to raise funds for and get their permission and support; there could be legal issues they dont want to be involved in (sad, but true). Maybe another group that raises funds for a similar cause would be open to the idea (there are many different cancer charities).

Try searching around for local bike groups in your area to partner up with: they will have members to help with the work, experience and contacts. There may be a local HOG chapter (Harley Owner's Group), a BMW group, or career oriented groups like the Blue Knights (current or ex-law enforcement types).

"Ride For Dad" is a prostrate cancer fundraise and "Ride for Sight" (to find a cure for RP that causes blindness) are popular fundraising events in Ontario, Canada. Maybe they'd be willing to share ideas with you.

I read about a person who started a yearly ride to raise funds to fight the disease that took his daughter when she was a child. He's had the event once or twice now and it's incredibly meaningful to him and others. It was a wonderful story. I wish I could find it on the net but I can't.

Great things start small! Good on you for trying - I wish you the best of luck!