Fundraising

Each rider is required to raise $1,250. This might seem like a difficult amount, but our average rider raises well over that amount, averaging $1,800. Each crew member (support team) is asked to raise as much as possible, but it is not a requirement. We just ask crew to remember every dollar collected does make a difference to someone needing HIV/AIDS services.

2008 SMART Ride

If you have never raised funds before, $1,250 can seem like a scary amount. You will be surprised how individuals respond to you when you tell them what you are doing and that you need their "help" in achieving your goal. The most popular fundraising techniques that our riders use are:

• Send an Email/letter to family & friends (remember you might have to ask a few times for the procrastinators)
• Raise funds as part of a team
• Use used social media like Facebook and Twitter to let your friends know
• Throw a party, be creative and have fun and people will give
• Partner with a local business to do a raffle or outreach event
• See if your company has a corporate match for charity events
• Work with local benefiting agency for opportunities to raise funds

You just need a plan, enthusiasm, passion and never forgetting why you got involved, always keeping in mind the personal physical challenge, and never forgetting the memory of those who have passed from HIV/AIDS If you have specific questions about how to raise your pledges, you can work with the local agency, send a note to us (info@thesmartride.org ), or chat with the rider representative that is assigned to you. Also check out 20 Ways to Reach Your Target for some creative fund raising ideas SmartRideGroup

100% of what you raise will go to the benefiting agencies:

• The first 50% of your fundraising will be equally divided amongst all the benefiting agencies
• The second 50% of your money to be dispersed will be within your control. If you decide that you want the remaining 50% to go to one agency, or if you want the second half to go to a combinations of the chosen agencies, that's how it will be divided. On the ride, you will receive a card to designate your funds as you see fit.

• AIDS Help (Monroe County)
• Broward House (Broward County)
• Center for Positive Connections (Dade County)
• Comprehensive AIDS Program (Palm Beach County)
• Metropolitan Charities (West Central Florida)
• Miracle of Love (Central Florida)

Learn more about these agencies

Chris:

Thanks for the question, if someone wants to mail in a check they can send it to the address on the pledge form along with the form (it helps us keep track of donations better. The address is:

1314 E. Las Olas Bvld Ste 302

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

If you have more questions you can contact me anytime.

Hi Leonard:

First I am thrilled you have decided to ride with us this November. There are many ways to raise the $1250 and we have lots of ideas on the website for you to get creative. In the pats 8 years the average rider, despite fear and hesitation that they may not raise the money necessary, raise over $1800, it doesn't matter if there is a war, or a recession. I am confidence that if you send out letters to everyone you know, use social media like face book, possibly join a team of riders you will easily make your goal.

Our rule is that everyone needs to make the $1250, but and it's a BIG but, if you stay in touch with your rider rep, you keep him/her informed on your  progress, try everything that you can and  you fall slightly short, we have donors that have extra and offer to help those short. The key is to keep us informed.

On behalf of everyone who will benefit from your commitment, determination and dedication to the cause I thank you.

Glen