Ed, you desrve all of the praise you get! I so thoroughly enjoyed my first Spring Fling at DVSF III. If there was any regret, it was the feeling that I had that I wanted to do more and be a part of the effort. I kinda felt like a spectator even though my entry fee went to the cause! It is hard to describe.
Ed, I agree with Larry and the tone of most of the threads. I have too many thoughts to elaborate, so I will bullet some ideas.
1) I agree with Larry that it would be good to break up the event and delegate the management and promotion to clubs that volunteer. Not only is that fair to your efforts, but I think that each event would take on a life of its own based on innovation of the various clubs. My sense is that Capital Area Cobra Club would certainly step up to the request!
2) I think that it is time for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to become more involved than it appears they have been. $100k+ is a big contribution. Being in the DC area, I would volunteer to climb into my Armani suit and lobby for help and more support.
3) I think we have to innovate to get sponsorships. My sense is if each car owner would try to get, a $1 a mile that they drive to the Fling and contribute it to the cause. Their effort could be recognized in some form and the first night dinner. Sort of like the "walk-a-thons approach. Not a requirement, but an option of how individuals could pitch in. It is one of many ways to get the $s and people can feel like they are contributing.
4) I think clubs should make an effort to seek corporate sponsorship from their respective regions. Each club car would have a poster next to their car with a list of sponsors and logos. Maybe a large sponsor would have a decal on the cars from the clubs. These sponsors would be recognized by their donations at the first dinner.
5) Many of the DVSF family are professionals with very specific skills that could be tapped. Namely, if we had a
PR firm doing some Pro Bono work for the Fling, we could get National exposure.
By the way Ed, I ran a charity sailboat race for a number of years in San Diego Bay. We tried to downsize the thing and it just got bigger. When I learned to delegate and let go, it took off!
6) The town of London was marvelous! What a great slice of America! Of the many people I met, they all seemed to want to help when they learned that all of the show was for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I am wondering if there is a way to include them more in the organization?
7) I parked my motorcoach at the Fairgrounds and camped there with a couple of other Cobra's. Seems like a place wanting more action like a special event. That maybe a good place for a BBQ or we can create a Cobra Corral for those wanting to camp.
8) I do not want my last bullet to appear to be taking andvantage of the kids with CF. It seems to me that the event has been about Jenny as a focal point of the CF effort. Maybe, we need to figure out how to bring more kids into the event. Being careful to not make them individually a focal point, but to give them hope that people out there, that they don't even know, really care. They could ride in the parade and be a part of the day. I am a big believer in the power of the human spirit and it seems like the energy you have created should be shared with those with the affliction. There is always hope when people care.
Ed, Just a bunch of ideas! Ideas are only great when they are implemented. You need to ask us to help and individuals and clubs need to step up!
Off all the ideas I have heard, I think Larry's idea to get clubs to sponsor and organize the events! Second, we need CFF to be more involved and third, corporations need to sponsor this event by sponsoring clubs and attendees.
Ed, I have read many of your threads about how overwhelmed you were with the outpouring and sponsorships. Just ask for help and I think you will be more overwhelmed!
I want to block my calendar now!
Just start a thread asking for help and see what happens.
Regards,
Bob
