Charity idea- all thoughts are appreciated!!

**byronn5** · #1 05-19-2007, 11:45 AM

I wanted to see if anybody would be interested in participating in a charity event to raise money for an organization like the Ronald McDonald house or the Make a Wish foundation. I recently bought a Lotus Elise, and while it's certainly not a Ferrari, it does seem to have a certain appeal to people. I searched and found the FERRARI FEST/ DREAMCARS Charity Event thread, and it gave me the idea. Maybe get cars of all kinds (obviously the more Ferraris the better!) and organize a drive with an entry fee of which 100% goes to charity. The drive ends at the predetermined charity organization where the kids will be able to sit in and get pictures made with the cars. If it's allowed, maybe even give the kids a short ride. I think this would be a great way to raise money for a worthy cause, give a few kids a smile, and have a good time doing it. As the Ferrari Fest thread suggested, if there was a way to get the public involved as well, possibly by taking their pictures with the cars for a donation to the charity, that might be great too. This thought is still in the very early stages of development, but any ideas/suggestions/interest would be greatly appreciated. Let me know what you all think!

**mambodave** · #2 05-19-2007, 02:35 PM

Count me in.. No f-car right now though.

I think a local charity would be best....something that helps kids, disabled or whatever somewhere in the carolinas...

**Dincenzo** · #3 05-19-2007, 09:53 PM

Great idea! We had people from all over participate in Ferrarifest, but it was
a great deal of work. Ask Buddy Delaney. Things worked well with the
children, but it is almost impossible to charge people for the photographs.
Almost everyone has their own small digital camera or cell phone. Monies
for charities would have to be made from entry fees, ticket sales, and rides.
And for insurance reasons, rides may or may not be possible.

ferraripete · #4 05-19-2007, 11:07 PM

if it is in charlotte, i will join in as well.

**byronn5** · #5 05-20-2007, 10:36 AM

Anybody have any ideas for a charity? Make a Wish was the main one I thought might be a good fit. Victory Junction Gang in Randleman, NC was also a thought to look into. As Dave said, one that helps kids and/or disabled would be a good thing.

UberVier · #6 05-20-2007, 07:41 PM

I'm down for that, even sans exotic car. I'd be happy to give people rides. Hell, I've taught 4 kids to drive stick on my car, maybe some of the older ones want to learn???

**byronn5** · #7 05-24-2007, 08:29 PM

Update: it looks like taking the kids for a ride probably isn't realistic with insurance, liability, etc. However, I think the event has potential. I'm planning to search for some charities in the area and hopefully find a good one to support. Sound like a decent event?

**mambodave** · #8 05-24-2007, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byronn5

Update: it looks like taking the kids for a ride probably isn't realistic with insurance, liability, etc. However, I think the event has potential. I'm planning to search for some charities in the area and hopefully find a good one to support. Sound like a decent event?

yeah... rides are not a good idea..... They could sit in them though.
I can get news coverage if thats what you want...maybe get some real donations going. I have some contacts.

Any charity choices yet?

**byronn5** · #9 05-25-2007, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mambodave

yeah... rides are not a good idea..... They could sit in them though.
I can get news coverage if thats what you want...maybe get some real donations going. I have some contacts.

Any charity choices yet?

As far as charities, I'm not quite sure yet. I spoke to the Ronald McDonald House, and they are very interested. Another thought is to help a smaller, lesser supported charity where the money might be more needed. I'll do some searching and see what I can find.

Dave, thanks very much for your offer!! I'm not sure yet how the event will play out, or where it will be. If news coverage (you're in Charlotte, correct?) looks like the way to go, I'll definitely keep it in mind.

Thanks for your responses!! Keep 'em coming!

VPC · #10 05-25-2007, 02:12 PM

Craig Forbes at Aston Martin of Atlanta is putting together a charity event for Ronald McDonald House and needy kids that includes rides. You may want to contact him for what he's learned in the last couple of years. This year they are having a "Bribe the Judge" concours with all proceeds going to charity.

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148852

**byronn5** · #11 05-25-2007, 02:24 PM

VPC- Thanks for your help! I just now sent Craig an email. Sounds like quite an event he's organizing.

**EnzymaticRacer** · #12 05-25-2007, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VPC

This year they are having a "Bribe the Judge" concours with all proceeds going to charity.

Whoever thought of that idea is a genius...

But I do have one idea...

What if, instead of giving rides on the public roads, why not set up a little Auto-X course with one or two cars and very experienced drivers drivers doing all the driving? They don't need to blast through the course or anything, and it doesn't have to be all that large, and nothing really all that complex... something where the speeds are well below dangerous speeds, with plenty of extra room?

What would the insurance companies think about doing something like that? It would give the kids a ride in the cars with zero risk to safety...

**byronn5** · #13 05-25-2007, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnzymaticRacer

Whoever thought of that idea is a genius...

But I do have one idea...

What if, instead of giving rides on the public roads, why not set up a little Auto-X course with one or two cars and very experienced drivers drivers doing all the driving? They don't need to blast through the course or anything, and it doesn't have to be all that large, and nothing really all that complex... something where the speeds are well below dangerous speeds, with plenty of extra room?

What would the insurance companies think about doing something like that? It would give the kids a ride in the cars with zero risk to safety...

Excellent thought!! I could ask whichever charity is chosen what their insurance would allow, and we could go from there. I'm sure the kids would get a thrill out of getting a ride in some cool cars even at a very modest speed. Thanks for the idea!

**byronn5** · #14 05-25-2007, 11:15 PM

BTW, what exactly is "bribe the judge?" Just what it sounds like?

**EnzymaticRacer** · #15 05-26-2007, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byronn5

BTW, what exactly is "bribe the judge?" Just what it sounds like?

I think the idea is that during the concours, people try to "bribe" the judges into giving them the first place. I would guess that whomever gives the most money would therefore win 1st place... with all of the bribes going to the charity of choice.

VPC · #16 05-26-2007, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnzymaticRacer

I think the idea is that during the concours, people try to "bribe" the judges into giving them the first place. I would guess that whomever gives the most money would therefore win 1st place... with all of the bribes going to the charity of choice.

Pretty much that's the case. You give a bribe to the judge telling the judge which car you want to win (your car or someone else's). Whichever car brings in the most money (bribes) wins. I'm not sure how many places get prizes. In Atlanta's case, the money goes to Camp Sunshine and Ronald McDonald House.

**byronn5** · #17 05-29-2007, 11:56 PM

I'm planning on going Thursday to check out the Ronald McDonald House in Winston. Not sure yet if that will be the charity of choice, or if a smaller one would be better, but hopefully I'll have more of an opinion after seeing the facility. I'd really like for this event to take place sometime this summer if possible.

Anyway that's the update for now. Should know more in 2 days...

**byronn5** · #18 06-07-2007, 11:32 AM

ok- I checked out the Ronald McDonald House, and it really is a good thing they have going. I've been talking with the director of development who is in charge of fundraising, etc. and she is very interested and open to this event. The basic idea so far is as follows:

Everyone meet up probably somewhere in Winston one Saturday morning maybe mid to late July or early August. We then head up towards Hanging Rock State Park. I don't have the exact route mapped out yet, but there are some cool roads up that way. We meet at the Park for a picnic style lunch and a rep from the charity gives a 5 minute summary of what they're about. The entry fee is simply whatever you feel like giving to the charity. So far, that's basically the day. What does everyone think???

**Dincenzo** · #19 06-07-2007, 12:23 PM

Sounds like a good roadtrip, but you may want to also work in a static car show. You want to involve more than the drivers. A static car show would allow the general public to view the cars, talk to the owners, get their photos taken, etc. All for a small fee or donation, which means more funds for the charity.

**sainthoo** · #20 06-07-2007, 01:14 PM

I'm in,
that is assuming my car gets delivered on time, and Wade can get her sorted out in time. No pressure Wade, its only for a good cause.

Yes, I will post pictures of my new baby when I can finally see her.
Euro 308QV red/tan