How to Participate in Ride for the Red

The Ride for the Red is a motorcycle event hosted by various chapters of the American Red Cross to raise critical disaster relief funds. To participate in one of these popular charitable motorcycle events, you'll need to find a participating chapter and have access to a motorcycle.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle
• Registration form from chapter hosting the event
• Monetary contribution

Find the Nearest Ride for the Red

1. Contact your local Red Cross chapter. There are hundreds of chapters across the United States, in both urban and rural areas. For the contact info of your nearest chapter, enter your zip code into the Red Cross home page (see Resources below).

2. Ask your local chapter whether they sponsor a local Ride for the Red event.

3. Request sign-up information be sent to you, or ask whether you can register online.

4. Check to see whether your local Ride for the Red has a minimum donation for the ride. If so, you can either pay it yourself, or canvass friends, co-workers and family for tax-deductible donations.

5. Ask for the name of the closest chapter offering a Ride for the Red event if your local chapter doesn't sponsor this event.

Participate in the Fun at Ride for the Red

6. Request that your logo be included in Ride for the Red banners and materials if you run a business. A minimum contribution will be necessary to be deemed a sponsor, but most Ride for the Red events have varying contribution levels, from affordable to considerable.

7. Invite motorcycle-riding friends to join you on this day out. It's a good way to get people involved in charitable events and to raise awareness of the Red Cross's contribution to each community.

8. Know that your contributions are charitable and therefore tax-deductible. Businesses who contribute to this event can then promote themselves as being charitable givers to the Red Cross who can increase goodwill among clients.

9. Volunteer to help with the event in other ways if you're not a motorcycle rider. You might help with registration, for instance. Your participation in any way will be welcome.

Tips & Warnings

• Take business cards with you, as charity events are good networking opportunities. You'll also likely make new friends at the event and may even find new buddies to ride with.
• If you've never had a chance to participate in an all-day, cross-country motorcycling event, be aware that you will be exposed to the sun and heat for hours at a time. Water and sunscreen are essential. After all, you want to help the Red Cross, not need them to rush to your aid!

Resources

• Chapter information at RedCross.org