Posts Tagged ‘Do Good’
Out of BAIT- looking for THE ONE
As an integral part of our philosophy, we have offered incentives (aka “The BAIT”) to encourage individuals to raise money for local/regional non-profits through the Bellingham Traverse and Olympia Traverse. With the support of local businesses (aka “Spawnsors”), individuals have raised tens of thousands of dollars for local and regional non-profits. We have supported many organizations over the years.
We thank these companies for their support, providing us with gear and goodies:
REI, Kulshan Cycles, Boundary Bay Brewery, La Fiamma, Eddyline Kayak, Necky Kayak, Delta Kayak, Fairhaven Bike and Mountain Sports, Flying Fish wine, The Alpine Experience, Bike Tech and Joyride Bikes.
As we move to incorporate ourselves into our own non-profit organization, Northwest Traverse, we are evaluating our practices to increase our efficiencies and effectiveness. We have been paying attention to how our participants have been behaving over the past with regards to fundraising (a disappointing decrease over the years) and how they also respond to the prizes that have been given out. While a noble effort to encourage the fundraising for others, it was not a message that resounded loud enough. Instead of trying to continue to sell a product that people don’t want/believe in, we are going to shift how we do things. The proposal outlines what we are going to do moving forward into 2012.
The proposal.
Local and regional organizations will be invited to submit an application to be THE ONE select non-profit for the year as the beneficiary of the Traverse. A committee will choose from the pool of applicants- to be implemented in 2013. As the THE ONE beneficiary, the chosen organization will receive a percentage of the surplus revenue for the event. They will also receive a complimentary registration to the event so they can (still) raise money on their own behalf as a fundraising opportunity for their organization.
The Traverse will no longer be providing the fundraising incentives for the individuals. Instead, the prizes will go to the “winners’ of the Traverse. The winners will be the FIRST PLACE finishers in all divisions (which is a lot of prizes). The Second and Third Place finishers will receive ribbons.
THE ONE organization will have to wait 3 years to be eligible again. More details to come.
If you have questions or comments about this shift, please contact Todd Elsworth, Director.
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Our friends are like family
Over the years, we have had the opportunity to raise money and awareness for a great group of local and regional non-profits. One of our objectives was to “Connect Active People” in the community, bringing together individuals, organizations and businesses. People in both Bellingham and Olympia are regionally known for their commitments to sustainability. We are fortunate to live in communities that care as evidenced by the list of “friends” that we have made through our efforts.
Thank you to all the people who have participated in the past- your work has added to the social fabric that make our region the best place in the world to live, work and play. We are proud of our story and happy to share it with our friends and families. Scroll through and think how these organizations have touched your life. If there’s an unfamiliar one, click and learn.
Bellingham Traverse
Action for Africa
Appliance Depot
Center for Tribal Water Advocacy
Chuckanut Conservancy
Community to Community Development
Conservation Northwest
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County
Ducks Unlimited
Evergreen AIDS Foundation
Farm Friends
Habitat for Humanity
The Hub Community Bike Co-Op
Kulshan Community Land Trust
Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
Opportunity Council
People for Lake Whatcom
Project Sea Wolf
RE Sources
Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition
Sierra Club Mt. Baker Group
Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group
Surfrider Foundation
Sustainable Connections
Washington Health Foundation
Washington Trails Association
Washington Water Trails Association
Whatcom Conservation District
Whatcom Film Association – Pickford Cinema
Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation
WHIMPS Mountain Bike Coalition
Whatcom Land Trust
Whatcom Literacy Council
Womencare Shelter
Olympia Traverse
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Ride ‘em if you got ‘em
Big thanks to Kulshan Cycles for hooking us up with His and Hers Trek Allants this year.
See them on display inside the Boundary Bay Brewpub.
Stay tuned to The Traverse Network
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