| Author | Message | ||
     Sanchez |
Anyone else going? I'm heading out from Atlanta tomorrow afternoon on the Uly. http://www.911memorialride.org/ | ||
| Ryker77 |
And the cost to ride in that ride? 125.00 Total revenue for that ride is over $600,000 Total donations to be handed back out in 2006. $18,000 in scholarships and they will give a Harley to a local police dept. So somebody is making a heck of a profit. Since 2001 my guess is they have been given well over 2 million dollars yet have only passed out 100,000 How about instead of giving them 125.00. Find a local military family who has lost there father or husband. Give them the 125.00 | ||
| Pwnzor |
Agreed. Ride and have fun if you like but don't kid yourself that it's going to help anything substantial. They will give out exactly the amount of money required by law and keep the rest. | ||
| Stretch67 |
Agreed. | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
SCUMBAG RALLY!!!!  | ||
| Sanchez |
Where are you getting those numbers, Ryker? According to the web site, there were only 1000 bikes in 2005. Assuming the ticket price was $100 last year as well, that's only $100k, not $600k. | ||
| Ryker77 |
On there own website "EXPECTING 5,000-10,000 people in Somerset PA for this years Event. Please beware of the anticipated traffic congestion and volume of people" Simple math, bro 5000 people times $125.00 = $625,000 10,000 people times $125.00 = 1.2 million Do you know how much the fees were last year? | ||
| Sanchez |
Yes, they're expecting 5-10k people this year, but they only had 1000 last year. Logically, the money they donated to scholarships etc, earlier this year must have been derived from the proceeds of last year's ride, right? The registration fee this year was $100 until today or $125 on site. Assuming the fee was the same last year and that most people pre-registered, we can guess that they made 1000 * $100 = $100,000 from last year's ride. Of that money, $18k went to scholarships, and probably $15k went to the bike they're donating (I'm just guessing at what price they might've paid for it). That doesn't leave a whole lot of money to pay salaries or cover any of the other expenses they must have incurred while organizing things. Given that this year's ride is so much larger, I imagine next year's donations will be much larger as well. Perhaps I'll be proven wrong, but I don't think so. Two of the people I'm riding with are brothers of one of the Flight 93 heroes, and they've had plenty of experience with shady "charities." If they feel good about this, then so do I. Honestly, though, I wouldn't really care if the 9/11 Foundation didn't give a dime to anyone. I hadn't even stopped to think about finances before you mentioned it. I'm making the ride for my own reasons, and they have nothing whatsoever to do with money. | ||
| Eboos |
Even if 18,000 and the bike was all that was donated with that 100,000, that is still 18,000 and a bike that wouldn't have been donated with out this ride. I do not know the operating costs involved with setting something like this up, but I would say that 30% benefit is pretty good. How much do the average charities pay out to their beneficiaries? | ||
| Ryker77 |
Most charities are fronts. Run by families. They take huge cuts of donations to pay "salaries" and business cost (cars and trips). I only give money to people directly. Or local churches. On average a "good" non-profit will get to keep 40% of your donations. See how much some people get paid http://www.charitywatch.org/criteria.html#top25 | ||
| Blublak |
I know the man that started 'Americas 911 Ride'. He's good people. If he say something is so.. it's so.. also, he's got a very good job and does this without taking any more then operating expenses (if you think it's cheap to do this kind of ride.. try pricing it out yourself) from what the foundation raises. The rest goes exactly where it's supposed to. Ryker, unlike some of the groups you're talking about. His foundation is the real deal. | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
It is still fishy to "ME"...Tons of cash being donated and very little going to the people that deserve it the most. A bike and a few of 2k scholorships(chump change for college costs these days) doesn't add up to much for such a big rally.  | ||
| Tramp |
Ryker, NICE WORK! We have some major issues in my area regarding 501c fraud. Setting up a major ride doesn't have to cost a dime, trust me, I've set up many. There are very few 'foundations' that operate in transparency, most utilize forensic accountants to do the laundry in a manner which make sit hard to track.... | ||
| Pwnzor |
Here's a hypothetical for everyone to ponder. If I run a crooked charitable organization, I want it to look legit. That means that I tell my friends, family, associates and EVERYONE even MYSELF that it's legit. There is no capitulation from the story. No deviation. I'm in it to make money, for myself and my family. My family doesn't NEED to know that I'm crooked. My friends don't NEED to know that I'm crooked. I've been doing it so long, that even I don't believe I am crooked any more. Simple concept, really. Why would anyone think that something is legit or not based on "I know the guy"? I don't know them, I don't know you. I haven't done the research on the charity, so I'm not sure one way or the other, I don't care. I'm just pointing out a reality that is completely unavoidable regardless of personal beliefs. Take it from me, or walk blindly through life thinking everything is rosy... Having said that, who really cares what they do with the money as long as people don't kid themselves about how much goes where? If you wanna go on the ride, go. Take your friends, have a great time. Just keep your eyes open. One more thing, a 2k scholarship wouldn't even pay HALF of what it cost me to send my 17 year old to UCSD for three weeks this summer. Hell, that barely covers a semester at a community college. (Message edited by pwnzor on August 16, 2006) | ||
| Sanchez |
> Most charities are fronts. Generalize much?  > I haven't done the research on the charity Exactly. Until someone does do the research, these accusations are completely baseless. > Ryker, NICE WORK! What work? He's done no real investigation whatsoever. > We have some major issues in my area regarding 501c fraud. And therefore all charities are fraudulent? Your logic is flawed. | ||
| Ryker77 |
Executive Director: Bill Viggiani - Promotions Manager - Media Contact: Roger Flick - Board of Directors: Ted Sjurseth Founder/President lisa Sjurseth Co-Founder/Treasure Rick Flick Vice President Eric Sjurseth Vice President Rich Snyder Executive Board Nick Leischen Executive Board (Pittsburgh ) Teresa Flick - TeresaF@americas911foundation.org notice the same last names, ???connections! Sanchez Ask the 9-11 fund for his 501c tax fillings for the last three years? ask him how many hats and t-shirts he sold? ask him how much in donations has he been given? No need to question me. I am not asking for 125.00 to ride your own motorcycle! (Message edited by ryker77 on August 17, 2006) | ||
| Ryker77 |
"The amount of the 2007 scholarships will be determined from the proceeds of the raffle tickets from this years motorcycle" So get this. Only a % of the profit from the motorcycle raffle tickets sold will be used for 2007 scholarships. So is any of the bike ride money, t-shirts etc etc being used for anything good? in 2006 only 9 2,00.00 scholarships were given out. 18,000 worth. | ||
| Pwnzor |
I love it when people say "he's done no real investigation whatsoever" and *BAM* here come the facts. Most stand-alone charities are exactly the opposite of what they seem. Think about it, do they have an office? Do the bosses drive nice cars? Do they wear nice clothes? Are they poor or needy themselves? NO, they are not. I have a friend who works for the Long Beach Police Officer's Association. Has nothing whatever to do with the LBPD. My friend drives a used Honda and wears jeans and t-shirts to work. The boss however is blingin' the Brabus v12 Mercedes, gators and a Rolex. His wife is wearing at least $100,000 in plastic surgury and a 5 pound rock on her finger. Neither of them follows much of a schedule, because he's got several rooms full of schmucks soliciting money by phone all day. | ||
| Eboos |
You have to give Ryker credit here. "No need to question me. I am not asking for 125.00 to ride your own motorcycle!" That is about as true a statement as you could possibly get. As far as the family connection, I doubt they are in their positions due to their abundance of skill. | ||
| Pwnzor |
Definitely true Eboos. Me and Ryker rarely seem to agree, but I'll be the first to say it when he's on point, which he certainly is on this subject. (Message edited by pwnzor on August 17, 2006) | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
I will also agree with that logic!  I personally don't "Pay" to ride, and if i had to I just assume give the money from my pocket directly to the person who the ride is for. NO MIDDLEMEN to STEAL/SCAM the donated money! | ||
| Oldog |
Pay attention to ANY charity that you give to, Even Churches ....  | ||
| Sanchez |
> *BAM* here come the facts. What facts? All I've seen so far are guesses and questions. > Ask the 9-11 fund for his 501c tax fillings for the last three years? You're the one who's trying to slander them. Why don't you ask the questions? And why don't you withhold judgment until you have the answers to those questions? P.S. Your supposed 1.2 million dollars doesn't exist. The 5-10k visitors expected in Somerset was just an estimate of the number of people from all over the country attending the crash site, etc. There are only about 800 registered riders @ $100/each = $80k. There were probably some more on-site registrations yesterday @ $125/each, but nothing like the numbers you're accusing them of getting. | ||
| Bcordb3 |
Matt, I don't understand why you are getting so much heat on your question, "anyone else going"? It's not like you are soliciting funds for the ride. You shouldn't have to defend yourself for asking a question. Whether it is a fraud or not. I am sure the folks going on the ride will have a good time, pay their respects to the fallen and go about their business. If you are going, enjoy, and remember the experience of being at "ground zero". My 2 cents. No need to flame me. | ||
| Nleischen |
I know that i am jumping in here very late but I just found this thread since my name is copied in a post. You guys are some real cynics. The actual Foundation name is America's 9/11 Foundation, Inc. It is a not for profit organization. Not one single person gets paid! No salaries and no lavish expense accounts or company vehicles. The ride cost a fortune to put on. There are huge tolls (every bike, even the Police Motors get charged) 130 Escorting Motor Officers get their Rooms, Tolls and meals paid. There are permits, plaques, Chase Vehicles and Trailers, transportation of the raffle Tribute Chopper and the new H-D Police Bike to be awarded. The logistics are incredible. It takes an army of volunteers like the Pumper Teams (gas) and the Road Captains to make it all work. Everyone that is involved contibutes time and money to the effort. The scholarships are awarded from the raffle proceeds and they are $2k each and go to the children of first responders. Imagine being a Firefighter, Cop or EMT in a place where you make $28k and are trying to put a kid through even Community College. Most cash scholarships are $250 - $1,000. Ours are $2k and yes we think that it makes a huge difference. The math seen in these posts is worse than fuzzy. This year we had a great ride. We provide a vehicle for Patriotic American to get involved with the solution. Even if only to remind America to Never Forget. Most are motorcyclists riding all kinds of bikes. Along the way thousands and thousands of people line the streets and highways to wave and wish us well. Hundreds of Firefighters and cops do the same. We ride under arches made from Ladder Trucks suspending gigantic American Flags. We also sponsor and coordinate other public activities and fundraisers such as Walk-a-thons. We sent truckloads of supplies and volunteers to help the homeless families of First Responders after Hurricane Katrina. Check out our web site at Americas911Foundation.ORG I have spent a lifetime building a Law Enforcement career including a month working with NYPD in the 9/11 Recovery. I would not allow my name to be associated with a scam or less than honorable cause. To see the satisfaction and the pride that our riders had as we rode into NYC through the Holland Tunnel. It was fantastic. There are three kinds of people out there. 1.- Part of the problem 2.- Part of the solution 3.- Spectators Which are you? "God Bless America" NEVER FORGET! Nick Leischen Vice President - Executive Board America's 9/11 Foundation nick@americas911foundation.org | ||
| Sanchez |
Hey, Nick, it's good to see you here. I'd completely forgotten about this thread. I got so disgusted that I stopped looking at it. For something positive to read, here's the journal I posted during the ride last year: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/220774.html | ||
| Nleischen |
Great journal! You hit the high points. Did you make the closing ceremony in NYC? It was incredible! 17 year old girl from the Bronx sang the National Anthem, USMC Presented the Colors, NYPD Emerald Society played the bagpipes and there was a brief ceremony before we raffled the bikes off. Shanksville was very moving last year. More Bagpipes and drums that were from the Pittsburgh PD Emerald Society. If you ride next year we have a group that rides from Leesburg VA to Summerset with Lunch provided at Battlefield H-D in Gettysburg. Year after year I have been so proud to ride with so many Patriotic Americans. I think that it sends out a strong message to America and the world. This year we were much better organized. Last Sunday was the Rattle The Runways 9/11 ride. Around 1500 bikes gathered at the Dulles Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian) and looped the Dulles Terminals before heading to the Pentagon. It was an interesting ride. Ted is selling his H-D Tribute Bike on Ebay Starting today. He is a very skillful rider. I am still splitting time between my home in WPB and my office in DC. I know some cops in Swaunee that will probably ride up next year for the 9/11 Ride. Good to hear from you. Ride safe! |
