Im looking to do some sort of benefit for a friend that was in a motorcycle accident on monday morning 7/28/2010. So far he is in the hospital out of surgery, but is possibly paralized from the waist down. Im not sure where to start and if anyone could get any information on where to start i would appreiciate it. Never held or been a part on a benefit from the inside. Thanks for any help.

Travis Davis

To get big ticket donations you have to be a registered non-profit organization. You can read more about that here: (Federal Tax Code for non-profits)

My wife started an annual fund raising golf tournament to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer. She had issues with the major retailers getting raffle donations because she did not have the federal non-profit tax requirements in order. Many of the businesses she requested donations from would not donate anything without that tax id. She raised about $2500 in the first tournament which was really good, but had she been able to get some bigger ticket raffle items or sponsors, it would have been much more.

For a round of golf and food it was about 45 per player cost and we charged 80 per person. We had about 40 items that were donated for raffle prizes which helped draw more players to the tourney.

If you wanted to do something related to motorcycles, for dirt you could set up a benefit ride day or race. For road you could do a poker run. Most people want to help, but more people will help if they have a chance to get something in return (shameful, but true). The guy that walked away with a laptop or the lady with the LCD TV had no issue paying the 80 bucks for a 50 dollar round of golf. And next year, both of those people will bring more people with them.

my 2 cents

-don

I'd also lok into the "riderdown.com"

Yeah thanks for the info. I talked to some of the family and they have set up a fundraiser at Roadhouse Bar 1103 Wonder road Round Rock, Texas 78681 on August 14, 2010 from 2pm - 1am. We have 4 motocross helmets and some harley gear for raffle. The bar will donate 50% of sales from that time to the fundraiser also so come by and support a good cause.

Riders name is Dustin Willis, suffered a broken back, compound fractures of 4 vertebrae, spinal cord injury, plastic surgery to reattach his ear and repair deep scalp lacerations. Any donations will also be accepted. If you would like to donate for the raffle or make a cash donation you can call Tonya at 512-947-1503 or Jo at 512-909-1939.

Thanks for the support and help.