Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Virtual Benefit Run

I had a thought:

Most of us will agree, there is a no BS situation among us.

We all go on rides on our weekends to support various rider down, kids with problems, Toys for Tots events.

This is the BEST internet motorcycle brotherhood on the net.

Is anyone interested in having a virtual rally/benefit for one of our own?

I'm not sure how to go about it, but will be willing to help.

later, Tom.

I'm listening.

Still having the gears spin...

Maybe have a one day online ride?
How bout a parts auction?

Proceeds to somebodys medical expenses.

More ideas?

later, Tom.

I think it's a great idea and I know for a fact some people on here could use some brotherhood.

I'll bring the donuts (in other words... I'm in)!

What a coincidence! I seem to have a few perfectly good parts for my BA that I've taken off the ol' gal over the years and that are just lyin' around in my garage collectin' dust!

(great idea, Tom!...I'm in, too!!!)

+1 more, definitely in. This little forum family of ours is one of the reasons I have, do, and always will ride Triumph.

ABSOLUTELY , BUT WHAT EVER make it international

I ran one of them once. It gets interesting.

1- Some people like to be anonymous. If that is the case they inhibit transparency of the fund for amounts sent in.
2- Who holds and distributes the money?
3- What qualifies as a run purpose?
4- Is it a general fund then pieced out as needed or a run per need?
5- Who applies for the special need?
6- Transparency in Donation if going to a fund.
7- The biggie, who decides if the need if valid and/or warrants the run?

Its very doable but not a quick post and a mail money type thing.

Yes, I will donate and or sell parts etc.

I'm definately in! And if it's a virtual ride in Aussie land, YEAH BABY! Great idea, whatever it entails, explain it to me when it happens.

A little input then I will leave it alone.

If you think about the scenario of a simple went broke thing to help with:

Pretend I had a week in the hospital and lost my job. Bike is being repossessed and the kids back to school money is non-existent.

You won't be able to save my bike if I have no job, med bills are probably 50 grand but you can get a few hundred for the food or back to school supplies or whatever.

Now, if I post it here it is super embarrassing as the first point then it becomes a popularity contest as to who wants to help whom. Then you are collecting stuff in the public forum, selling it in the public forum and commenting on it in the public forum. I think I would be so embarrassed I would choose starvation.

Anyhow, my suggestion is this.

Have 3 guys that decide. Their decision on need is final. They send a mass email only to those who have said they will participate. They do not send a mail to the participant. If you are gonna sell parts that's just dandy but be willing to send money. Some parts languish for some time or don't sell at all. A broke person needs money right now.

Next step, the guy needs 500 bucks lets say. We will send the mail description of what it is helping and how critical it is. (2) mails happen. One is the cause and money goal and the other is the reply for I am in list.

If its a huge thing and we just need money, just send out the one mail. Some may send 10 bucks and some may send 100 depending on their willingness and/or station in life at that time.

Either way you go, it all has to be done in about a week. Broke hurts every day. It is not like wine, it does not get better with time.

If 10 guys are in they need to ship out 50.00 bucks. 20 guys are in they need to ship out 25.00 bucks. (right now)

That way within a very short time, your treasurer has sent money directly and in time to do some good.

Sell your parts later. Or for that matter, sell your parts now and put the money away for later to do this.
_________________________________

Have you ever noticed every side has an up and a down. Well, the more need you have the more folks not in need get burned out. You could find yourself tapping folks once a year or once a week.

Eventually you get down to the last really good folks, about 6 people who just can't afford it anymore.

I said this negative part now to be remembered by the ones deciding on what is important for a cause. They have to be spaced and they have to be critical.

Jim needs a new rear tire to get to the rally is not a cause.

Jim is out of work and the heater broke in January is

Over and out, as I said I am in. I will donate.

Love

Ron, your comments are spot on. But let's look at this from the situation at hand. Having to pay for a completed procedure is one thing. Not having the procedure until it has been paid is another.

So cash, now, is the goal. Now the question of Honor arises. Respect for the recipient demands no contributions. That we show respect and honor and help in ways acceptable. Like purchasing those items for sale. Yet what if either the purchase amounts are too high or the items have been sold? Where does that leave those who wish to help out? Whose honor is paramount? How can we convey a true sense of giving? One with no expectations of reciprocation? A gift from the heart. How do we convey in no uncertain terms that will we ever, in any small way, ever, make mention of our help?

So we find ourselves in a catch 22. As dear friends, we are honor bound to help yet we have to dishonor the recipient by mailing anonymous contributions. Anonymous contributions are the only avenue left for us. How can strings be attached via anonymous contributions? Only by those who contributed when they fess up. Let's say that these people are not those who would contribute in the first place and indeed they should not contribute at all.

Now the larger issue. How to sway the recipient to use the contributions? This time respected, engrained, live your life by rule, has to violated. Leaving the recipient feeling degraded. Not in our eyes but in theirs. The only way I see it is to make an anonymous contribution then forget about it. Keep the well wishes cards flowing, keep them in your thoughts and take time every day to reflect on the good friends we have in life.

Respect demands respect. Is a silent disrespect disrespectful? This occurrence is not a precedent setting event nor should it be. No demands should be made. No expectations made. Let one’s heart decide.

Your suggestion about having 3 guys decide, flows rather well with the silent disrespect. However, the part about knowing the need then dividing it up would have to be tweaked for those who are not prepared to meet the resultant amount. Now more inferred judgment issues may arise. Why did so and so only contribute x amount? This is why anonymous donations might be the way to go. All that needs to be conveyed is the recipients mailing address. No overseers, no accountability. How do we know when the goal has been met? Exactly. We won’t! Until we hear of the successful surgery and medical care being administered. Good news for all.

Kinda, I am moving toward one check from BA.com. All money goes trough one clearing house. .50cents or 50 bucks all in the same bucket. You give what you can. My 5.00 is not diminished by your 50 and Joe can't see his way clear at all on this one but next one he can help.

The recipient just needs to know the group cared enough to do it.

But, like I said, I will do whatever the group decides to do.

Its a fabulous idea. however it is designed.

Having spent more than a decade as a Shriner and a Mason I can speak to the subject of philanthropic endeavors...

We have several large causes which are well known

But we also have many smaller causes that are not so well known and many of those are established to benefit members, and their families...

We have found the following to be true...

those who need it the most, most times will not ask, mention, or allude to the need.

often the need is not met by efforts to help, this has caused 'multiple requests' for the same person.

The recipient is often looked at 'differently' by casual dona-tors (those who feel the need to help but may not know the person) things they do (go out to dinner, purchase what others perceive as non essentials, etc.)

recipients often feel undue pressure to make some sort of repayment (either time or money) which often adds to the stress of the situation.

those truly proud are often overcome with a sense of shame in the presents of "the group" this has led to members no longer attending functions.

these are all undesired effects caused by a honest attempt to help...

Charity is a strange thing...we ALL see the need and want to help, we understand that this is an unfortunate situation that is in NO way a reflection of the person in the situation, yet when we are on the receiving end of that it changes, it DOES (to us) reflect on us, it IS a statement of our "being"

Not saying this is a bad idea, just saying there is much more involved than just the who, how, and when this is a good plan...

Do what you can, if you can, when you can, pray you never need the same, and should you find you do...accept it as a gesture of love and respect, NOT pity, and be grateful that you have made such an impression of folks that they would do this thing for you!

Are you sure this person wants the help? Pride is a powerful thing.

Very good point John

I haven't been here for the last few days, so any developments?

No, we are waiting for Panman to set it up.

Update, yup. I've done some legwork behind the scenes so to speak, and had correspondence with Chy. I'm awaiting some more input from a couple other sources and I do plan to sponsor a run after the Labor Day weekend. I will post a flyer in the Lounge when all is in place. I want it to be fun and helpful, so I am looking for a few volunteers to give a hand over that weekend in helping with the events. PM me if interested.

later, Tom.

Tom,

Pm me...

I'll help