The Bike to the Beach community extends beyond the ride. We have local business partners that have joined our cause and are eager to help us fundraising and spread autism awareness.
Here are a few fundraising partnership ideas
- Gyms and workout studios: Gyms and workout studios are great fundraising partners. Many local gyms will donate the registrations fees earned from a class (some will donate 100% of the proceeds) to your fundraising efforts. See if your favorite spin instructor will teach a class to #LightItUpBlue!
- Local bike shops: Contact a couple of your local bike stores. Tell them why you’re doing Bike to the Beach and ask them if they would like to sponsor you. You may even get some cool riding gear, too. If they are holding an upcoming workshop or ride, ask if you can speak before or after the event about Bike to the Beach.
- Creative Friends: Find a local artist or ask a creative friend if they would donate a piece of art or some jewelry that you could auction off. You probably know someone who has a side business selling jewelry or candles, and they love any opportunity to get their products in front of a new audience.
- Bars and Restaurants: Ask your local bar or restaurant to donate a percentage of one evening’s sales. Then invite all of your friends and co-workers out that evening. Create a sign for restaurants to place near the door or bar stating that “A portion of all sales collected tonight will go directly to Bike to the Beach for those people living with Autism.” If the patrons see that sign they may be willing to dig a little deeper in their pocket. Events like these increase the restaurants’ visibility in the community, and many chain restaurants already have a policy and budget to use for them. Be sure to ask early and plan ahead, and many times they book these out weeks in advance.
- Bars Part 2: Do you have experience behind the bar yourself? A guest bartending event is a fun way to get your friends out to contribute to Bike to the Beach. Let everyone know all tips you collect will go to the charity, and have the bar come up with a drink special to go along with it. Just be sure to follow all rules set by the bar and respect their businesses policies.
- Local Restaurants: Ask your local restaurants and bars to place a money jar at the front of the restaurant- Check with the restaurant manager. They may be willing to place the jar in a high traffic area so lots of patrons can see it.
Movie ticket donation- Ask your local movie house to donate several movie tickets coupons. Offer them up to the next person to donate more than $20 to your campaign.
- Local theater or concert venue: Ask a local theater to donate a couple tickets to one of their performances or concerts and auction or raffle them off either online or at one of your upcoming fundraisers.
- Good Karma Tipping Jar: Ask local businesses to put one of those jars near the register or on their front counter. Tape of picture of yourself near your bike and short explanation of Bike to the Beach and why you’re raising money.
- Local Stores: Ask a local store manager what the hot selling item is these days and THEN ask them if they’d be willing to donate a % of the sales from that particular item.
Planning ahead and tapping into the businesses you already have a relationship with is one of the easiest ways to reach your fundraising goals. Many times you can reach your goals with a few well planned fundraisers at gyms, bars, and restaurants and raffling or auctioning off items at these events. If any of the businesses you are reaching out to have any questions, or if they are interested in going above and beyond a one day/one item contribution you can connect them with us, and we’ll be sure to apply their contributions to your fundraising campaign!