50/50 Fail

[CSpenceFLY 1]

https://www.facebook.com/sunny.riley.71/posts/10200110444706826?comment_id=5587089&ref=notif¬if_t=like#!/notes/chris-spence/5050-fail/10151174746883440?notif_t=like

I know I can count on some comments here. The note on facebook is public for the time being. Please keep it civil.

It's time for my daily rant. I'm not sure if I've discussed this on my page before but I know I've posted about it on some biker forums.

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The topic of the day is charity rides (Motorcycle rides that raise money for a given cause) and the 50/50 drawings (tickets are sold for door prizes to be given away and the last drawing is for 50% of the money taken in). A spreading trend among some organizers and participants alike is to spread the word that it is expected, if you are the lucky winner, to then donate the winnings back to "the cause". I've seen this done in different ways and I've seen heated debates come out of the aftermath of these events. This being a personal peeve of mine I thought I would share a recent experience.

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Today, it was someone I knew that was put on the spot. Right before the final drawing the person doing the announcing commented that the person who won last year gave their winnings back to the charity but if you won you could do what you wanted. Tacky at best, in my opinion, but who am I. Keep in mind this is in front of several hundred people.

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So, someone I know wins the pot. They go up with ticket in hand and are asked what they want to do with the money. Having someone who was in need in mind, they have to stand there and explain why they want to give half of the winnings to someone other than "the cause" and so as not to look bad in front of all the people they give the remainder back to "the cause". Never mind that they could really use the money. This person,in my opinion has a huge heart and too much pride to stand in from of a group and admit they needed this money. Nor do I think they should have been put in this position.

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My point is this. If this is how these things are going to be done, have drawings for the door prizes and just skip the 50/50 drawing. Keep the money for the organization and be done with it.

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The best way I've ever seen one of these thing done was at a Southern Cruisers gathering in North Ga. They announced that if you won the drawing you were free to do whatever you wanted with the money the next day, but today you were required to take it with you. If you wanted to donated it St. Judes or a charity of your choice you were free to do that privately the next day.

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Why do I care?? Some may say I just like to bitch. You might have a point. But, I've seen people argue about this I've seen people get their feeling hurt over this, I've seen new people that had no clue get disrespected publicly, to the point I doubt they would ever attend another biker charity event and now I've seen someone who could have used the money shamed into giving it all away so they didn't look greedy in front of a group of people.If you don't want to give up some of the money don't advertise a 50/50 drawing.

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Edit:

Just a final thought. Imagine if you would that you won the lottery. You go to pick up your winnings and they have a news conference set up and the cameras are rolling. Just before you get called up they announce that the last person that won donated their winnings to a certain charity and that charity is standing by to see what you might do with your winnings. Hmmmm. Doesn't sound right does it?

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[normiss 895]

This has pissed me off for years and years.

I'm with you on dropping the 50/50.

[quade 4]

It gets worse.

I was involved with a charity for several years. Volunteered time. Eventually, because of the volunteer time I had put in was brought on staff to minimally compensate me for some of my efforts. I found out how much of the money raised was actually going to charity and how much was going into the organizer's pockets and it sickened me.

Now, certainly not all charities are run that way, but in some only a tiny percentage of the funds raised actually go to what is being touted as the reason the charity exists. To me, this is nearly criminal and ought to fall under statutes about fraud and false advertising.

I still give to charities, but I know a couple that will never get another dime out of me.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[normiss 895]

Agreed.

[quade 4]

I don't want to be a cynical bastard, but god damn it if it doesn't seem like it's some people's goal to make me that way.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[CSpenceFLY 1]

While I don't disagree with you, that is a whole different topic. And one that would probably get heated.

[JohnMitchell 16]

Quote

I found out how much of the money raised was actually going to charity and how much was going into the organizer's pockets and it sickened me.

As most of you know, Vskydiver and I run the Leap for Lupus charity. We're very proud that we're all volunteer and self funded. In other words, we pay all expenses (even event t-shirts) out of pocket. It's runs somewhere between 1-2K a year, but I'd be giving that much to charity anyway.
I'm very glad, though, that I can tell people every $ they spend on raffle tickets and t-shirts, etc. goes straight to lupus research. There are few charities that can state that.

The 50/50 thing. Putting heat on the winner to donate back is very uncool. I would never want to run something like that.

Once again, a huge thanks to all of our Leap for Lupus sponsors in the skydiving industry. You guys are the best.

John

[popsjumper 2]

Two things:
1. If it was known up front before buying the ticket, and you knew what you getting into, then all's well in paradise.


If they spring it on you at the last second....
2. "So, someone I know wins the pot. They go up with ticket in hand and are asked what they want to do with the money."

Option 1:
Buy me a double-wide and move back to Alabama!

Option 2:
Buy that new Harley I've been wanting for years.

Option 3:
Donate whatever I want to whatever charity I want and spend whatever I want however I want. Thanks for the cash.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[popsjumper 2]

Quote

It gets worse.

I was involved with a charity for several years. Volunteered time. Eventually, because of the volunteer time I had put in was brought on staff to minimally compensate me for some of my efforts. I found out how much of the money raised was actually going to charity and how much was going into the organizer's pockets and it sickened me.

Now, certainly not all charities are run that way, but in some only a tiny percentage of the funds raised actually go to what is being touted as the reason the charity exists. To me, this is nearly criminal and ought to fall under statues about fraud and false advertising.

I still give to charities, but I know a couple that will never get another dime out of me.

Holy Hell, Huzzah!
Grrrr. You nailed one of my pet peeves right smack on the head.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[popsjumper 2]

Quote

While I don't disagree with you, that is a whole different topic. And one that would probably get heated.

I don't see the heat coming. Maybe not being a biker....?

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[CSpenceFLY 1]

If you notice, many of these types of events are not called fund raisers anymore. They are referred to as "to raise awareness for". They still take in tons of money, it's just spent before it gets to the cause they are raising awareness for.

[oldwomanc6 60]

Quite true!

Recently, I received a phone call from a local police charity (at least that's what the caller ID said). I asked the man who was asking me for a donation if he was a paid solicitor and he said yes. I asked him how much actually went to the charity, and he said 28%.

If you break it down even further, there are expenses in running the charity, so the amount going to help those who are deemed worthy is miniscule.

I doubt too much heat is going to be generated on this portion of the topic. Most of us agree that many charities/non profit orgs. are eating up a much larger percentage of the money raised than is necessary.

As far as the original topic is concerned, I feel that intimidation of any sort by a charity to guilt (or embarrass) a winner of a raffle like this into giving it back is a very low tactic. If I ever was blind-sided like this, I would hope I had presence of mind to say something like " I'll use for whatever the heck I feel like", or "I'm going to Disneyland".

lisa
WSCR 594
FB 1023
CBDB 9

[AggieDave 6]

Don't know about Georgia, but in Texas a 50/50 raffle is illegal under the gambling laws. Just as well with stuff like this going on!

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

If asked what I plan on doing with the money -

(If it is implied that I should donate it to the cause)
Wow, you greedy fuckers. If you wanted a donation, why didn't you say so rather than trying to shame me into giving back my winnings.

Or -

Hookers and blow, what else?

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[CSpenceFLY 1]

Best response ever. Must remember.

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Hookers and blow, what else?

[jimmytavino 16]

so then if the "door prizes are donated",,, as if Often the Case, doesn't the "House" Already take in nearly half the money for it's Cause??

if the event is labeled a 50-50 then NO the organizers should NOT emphasize
"giving the winnings back ".. especially not just Before the drawing. That is in poor taste. imo

we ALL have groups and charities that are near and dear to Us... and sometimes Our OWN family members can be in great need...

I'd say. I'm gonna make a donation to.
1. the neighbors who are struggling cause the guy just got laid off
2. a hospice group who was sooo caring and thoughtful to Our family/friends, during a tough time.
3. A local church which has been an oasis of hope in current difficult times.
4. Such and such family member who has costs and bills due to a medical issue/procedure.
5. A great boogie organizer who always does a super job, and who might benefit from an improved cash flow.
6. My Mom ( or My Dad) who always took care of US...but is now in need.
7. My OWn "Famn Damily " !!!
p.s. what sorta cost for the raffle tickets??? a buck apiece?? or ten???
If someone contibutes by buying Multiple tickets,, THAt alone shows support for the cause....Requiring a "donation" of the winnings, isn't fair, and is contrary to "the advertised intent"

[Southern_Man 0]

Quote

Quite true!

Recently, I received a phone call from a local police charity (at least that's what the caller ID said). I asked the man who was asking me for a donation if he was a paid solicitor and he said yes. I asked him how much actually went to the charity, and he said 28%.

That's a great question to ask. My experience is that police charities are very often paid fundraisers with a very low rate of return to the actual cause.

A local boys and girls club in my area raised over 500,000 but gave their "professional fundraiser" over 90% of it.

"What if there were no hypothetical questions?"

[sfzombie 3]

i was a telemarketer for a while and the charities we raised money for got anywhere from 6 to 10%. 28% is huge in the business. i used to think the same thing, pissed me off to no end that so much went to raising the money. one would think why bother, if it costs 96% to raise anything...i think it has a lot to do with the cost of raising large amounts...used to be really expensive to open a call center...i donate locally now, to food banks and causes around where i live

http://kitswv.com

[Nataly 38]

Don't even get me started on charities - I could rant and rant and rant. Re the 50/50 thing - VERY uncool.

"There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse."
- Chris Hadfield
« Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. »
- my boss

[pincheck 0]

Got to agree with you Chris and perhaps like Aggie said these things should be made illegal

Billy-Sonic Haggis Flickr-Fun

[ryoder 1,590]

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I could rant and rant and rant.

As long as you avoid "engineer" and "size 8", it's OK.

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

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Got to agree with you Chris and perhaps like Aggie said these things should be made illegal

I don't think they should be stopped. They are a great way to raise a good sized chunk of cash for someone who needs it.

The problem I have (and that I see Spence having) is that the winner should be the winner. And the winnings should be given to the winner with a smile and a congratulations and a "thanks for coming here and helping out" and no strings attached.

Again, if it was me who won, I'd stuff the winnings in my pocket, say thank you very much and walk away. If the people holding the event implied that I should donate the winnings back to them, I'd get pissed.
And keep the money in my pocket.
And probably not support any more of that group's fundraisers in the future.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[davjohns 1]

Agree that asking the guy in front of everyone was really a jerk move. Some people really get off on controlling other people's lives.

I know it just wouldnt be right to kill all the stupid people that we meet..

But do you think it would be appropriate to just remove all of the warning labels and let nature take its course.

[CSpenceFLY 1]

Update:

Apparently enough people have voiced concern about this the organizer finally contacted this person. After a discussion said he would look into if the money was still available.

To recap, it was announced that the 50/50 ticket sales raised over 4k. The drawing was for slightly over 2k and this person gave $1007 to someone in need and gave the other half of the winnings back to the charity.


All of this was announced in front of several hundred people. In addition, at least 3 people were involved in getting the money to the person in need.

The organizer is now claiming that all of those numbers are halved. Claiming the total taken in was 2k,the drawing was for 1k and he didn't keep the half that he was told to keep.