Spinning Nation FAQs

Program Information and Special Fundraising Tips

On February 27, 2010, participating health clubs nationwide, including most 24 Hour Fitness Clubs, will be hosting two one-hour indoor cycling classes. There is a minimum $75 donation to ride, which you can pay out of pocket or fundraise. The minimum donation is not due at the time of registration, however Ride 2 Recovery must receive the donation before February 27th in order for you to be included on the Spinning Nation roster on the event day.

I've never raised money before, where do I start?

If your only experience in raising money has been buying a box of Girl Scout cookies, not to worry! This easy step-by-step guide will make your job easier and perhaps even fun! Remember, successful campaigners have told us that they received most of their money from those they expected to contribute the least! So leave no stone unturned.

How long does it take for donations to show up in my account?

ALL donations are entered into your account manually in 24-48 hours.

The key to successful fundraising is starting AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

The most important thing is to start today! Once you start to train for Spinning Nation, you will want to focus most of your time and energy on improving your physical endurance. While it is not impossible to conduct your fundraising campaign during your physical training, and many have done it successfully, you may wish to make it easier on yourself. The closer you are to your financial goal early on, the more undivided attention you can give to your conditioning program.

Raising the bucks to make a difference!

It is important to remember the real reason you are raising money. Your fundraising has a crucial purpose. The Military, VA and Fitness Challenge Foundation is the national organization that works on behalf of the physical and metal rehabilitation of vets and related conditions such as PTSD, loss of limbs, and other injuries suffered while serving this country. These brave men and women need help adjusting to life after combat. Cycling is particularly important since it is something that virtually all of the patients can participate as you will see on the ride.

Letter Writing Campaign

We can provide email templates about the ride and its purpose in a compelling way that will be consistent – which is also important. This is absolutely the most effective aspect of Ride 2 Recovery fundraising effort! Here’s how it’s done.

  • Educate yourself about the mission of Spinning Nation.
  • Choose an honoree with their picture and information about the type of mental and physical condition they have.
  • Personalize your letter – and be honest.
  • Humor helps!
  • Keep it short and sweet.
  • Include a self-addressed envelope with all of your letters, so your friends and family can easily mail back a donation.
  • Matching gifts will double your donations; so in every letter ask if their company has a matching gift program.
  • Follow-up. People get busy and intend to donate, but your letter may not be on the top of their list. Don’t be shy, everybody needs a reminder!
  • Ask everyone. You’ll be surprised how many people know someone who is affected by the mental and physical rehab or have someone in his or her family who suffers with PTSD.

Each letter is an opportunity for a donor to get to know more about Spinning Nation and the Ride 2 Recovery program and contribute to your campaign. Be patient! It’s highly unlikely that you’ll meet your fundraising minimum after one mailing. Life today is a hectic balancing of work and family commitments and to be honest, sometimes your letter is not the most pressing issue of the hour. With a solid, consistent letter writing campaign you can be sure that you’ll never be far from their thoughts – or their checkbook! Don’t give up.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF– Set a personal goal!

Remember that the funds you raise will help fund mental and physical rehab quality of life programs. Your family, friends, co-workers and business associates will have tremendous respect and admiration for your commitment. You will be amazed by their generosity! So… believe in yourself and you will reach your goal.

HOW TO RAISE $600 IN SIX DAYS

1. Sponsor yourself for $20.

2. Ask five family members to sponsor you by contributing $20 each.

3. Ask five friends to contribute $20 each.

4. Ask five co-workers to contribute $20 each.

5. Ask your boss to sponsor you by contributing $80.

6. Ask four businesses you frequent to donate $50 each.

As you get more confident with your fundraising you may consider asking for a larger amount. Give your donors choices with the lowest amount being $50. The larger donations typically come from those that you would least expect!

Identify your resources.

We all have a variety of people in our lives that can donate to the Ride 2 Recovery.

Prospective Donors

  • Aerobics/Spin instructors
  • Attorney
  • Babysitter/Daycare Center
  • Banker
  • Business Suppliers
  • Car Dealer
  • Christmas Card List
  • Children’s teammate’s parents
  • Clients
  • College Classmates
  • Co-workers
  • CPA
  • Dentist
  • Doctors
  • Dry Cleaner
  • Employer
  • Financial Advisor
  • Florist
  • Golf Partners
  • Grocery Store
  • Hair Stylist
  • Insurance Agent
  • Interior Designer
  • Lawn Service Co.
  • Manicurist
  • Mechanic
  • Minister/Church Members
  • Neighbors
  • Parents’ friends
  • Pediatrician
  • Pharmacist
  • Printer
  • Professional Associations
  • Psychologist
  • Realtor
  • Relatives
  • Service Organizations
  • Sorority/Fraternity
  • Spouse’s Business Associates
  • Tenants in office/apartment
  • Travel Agent
  • Veterinarian

TOP TEN TIPS TO REMEMBER

1. REGISTER NOW!

2. ASK EVERYONE

3. SET A GOAL

4. BE INFORMED - GET THE FACTS

5. SEND OUT YOUR LETTERS TODAY

6. INCLUDE SELF –ADDRESSED ENVELOPE WITH EACH LETTER

7. FOLLOW-UP

8. THANK EVERY DONOR

9. PROMOTE YOURSELF

10. DON’T GIVE UP!

Educate your sponsors about Spinning Nation and the Ride 2 Recovery mental and physical rehab program. Tell sponsors the Ride 2 Recovery program’s success in improving the quality of life, the lasting positive effects and impact in our community. Stress the importance of any size donation.

Remember you are “fun”draising. So make sure you are having fun. Below are some “fun” ways to boost your bucks.

  • Car wash
  • Birthday cards
  • Wine tasting party
  • Dress down days at work
  • Offer your career skill for sale
  • Host a game night
  • Bake sale
  • Sell raffle tickets

Never rely on any one event. Your letter writing campaign must be your number one focus. BE STRONG. Be proud of what you’re doing and ask everyone to donate. That means every single person you make contact with. You are asking on behalf of Spinning Nation!

Sample Letter

Dear family, friends and fellow coworkers,

 

I am participating in the Spinning Nation charity indoor cycling ride on February 27, 2010 to help raise money for Ride 2 Recovery (R2R), a charity benefiting mental and physical rehabilitation for men and women in the armed forces. Held in partnership with the Fitness Challenge Foundation, R2R will raise money to support Spinning® Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling programs at military and Veterans Affairs locations around the U.S. to help injured veterans overcome obstacles they face. Cycling is an important part of the recovery and rehabilitation program for two reasons: (1) Cycling is an activity that most patients with mental and physical disabilities can participate, and (2) Participation in the R2R program increases the recovery and rehabilitation process. If you would like to learn more about Ride 2 Recovery, go to www.ride2recovery.com.


My personal goal is to raise $XXXX and I need your help! It would be great if you could make a small donation, such as $10-20. If you want to help heal America's wounded soldiers as much as I do, please donate what you can. No amount is too small, but the more we contribute, the more we can help heal. You can sponsor me directly by visiting http://www.ride2recovery.com/sponsor-a-rider.html. Enter my name, XXXX XXXXXXX, and the tax deductible amount you wish to contribute.


Thank you,

 

GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATULATIONS ON JOINING THE RIDE 2 RECOVERY BICYCLE TOUR TEAM.

Participants:

Q: How long is the ride?

A: All Spinning Nation rides are 2 hours, split into one-hour intervals (for seperate registration).

 

Q: Can two or more people share a spot?

A: Yes, two people can split the 2-hour ride. Each registration is split into two one-hour sessions. To participate in the whole two hour session you must register for both hours, if you want to split, only register for a single hour and instruct your partner to register for the second hour.

 

Q: How do I send my donations that I have collected?

A: You can have your friends and family send in their donation online via Google checkout http://www.ride2recovery.com/sponsor-a-rider.html or they can also mail a check payable to Fitness Challenge Foundation to:

 

Fitness Challenge Foundation
23679 Calabasas Rd #420 Calabasas, CA 91302

 

*Please indicate the Rider's name in the "comments" area of your check.

Q: Can I bring my donations that I have collected to the event day?

A: No, you must submit your minimum donation of $75 prior to February 27, 2010 in order to participate in the ride.

 

Facilities:

 

Q: Can participants share the ride?

A: Yes, two people can split the 2-hour ride. Each registration is split into two one-hour sessions. To participate in the whole two hour session the participant must register for both hours, if you want to split, only register for a single hour and instruct your partner to register for the second hour.

 

Q: If a participant does not show up on the day of the ride, can a member use the bike and join in?

A: Yes, if there are bikes open and members want to ride they can. Encourage them to participate in the fundraiser and ask if they’d like to make a donation, although they are not required to make a donation.

 

Q: What do I do if a rider shows up their name is not on the roster?

A: If a rider’s name is not on the roster, that means they did not submit their minimum donation of $75. Allow them to participate in the ride, but they do not get a T-shirt. Tell them to send in their donation ASAP and Ride 2 Recovery will mail them their T-shirt.

 

Q: How will the clubs get the rosters?

A: Ride 2 Recovery will email the final roster to the contact name and email provided 48 hours before the event.

 

Q: Are we to collect checks if participants bring them on the event day?

A: No, tell the rider they should mail the check to:

 

Fitness Challenge Foundation
23679 Calabasas Rd #420 Calabasas, CA 91302