Yes, I have sent in a proposal to do sponsorships for the
Hollister Independence Rally. I am trying to save HIRC money and
generate some much needed revenue at the same time.
Editor,
Yes, I have sent in a proposal to do sponsorships for the Hollister Independence Rally. I am trying to save HIRC money and generate some much needed revenue at the same time. We hired a firm to do this for the past two rallies. They were very expensive and brought in very little sponsorship money.
The motorcycle industry is built on relationships. You have to know people and earn their trust before they will work with you. Over the past five years of working on the Rally, I have built relationships with many people in the industry. That’s why I thought I would give it a try, I am in sales after all. As part of the proposal, I will have no vote or signing authority on contracts that I may profit from.
I already put in many, many hours for this Rally, which takes time away from my family. And when I mean hours it’s anywhere from 60 to 90 hours a month. To add the sponsorship piece to this would mean even more hours. Oh, did I mention that I have a paying job that requires 50 to 60 hours a week already? So I’m asking for commission only on the sponsors I bring in and at a smaller percentage than other firms. With this extra money I can hire a cleaning person and yard person to do the things around the house that I don’t have time for because I’m spending so much time on this Rally. If I do well with sponsors which I’m hoping to do, I can take my family on a much needed vacation and get to know them again.
I want to make this Rally a success, I think it’s the right thing for the city. Some people may not agree with me but this city needs this Rally. We are at a crucial juncture in this Rally’s history with rising security costs. If we don’t find a way to bring in more money then it will go under. Most of the board is behind me on this. It is not uncommon for people on a nonprofit board to make money from the organization they govern, just talk to the folks at our local YMCA. Lou Bettencourt, Director of the YMCA will say the same thing I said.
Using people on the board gets you cheaper contracts, and who better to trust than your boards members because they have proven their dedication through the years? Many other charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross, UNICEF, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society have board members who profit from the monies they bring into their charity.
There are a few reasons why I feel I need to stay on the board and serve as president (which is not a done deal, by the way). I believe the current board members do not have the time required or the flexibility in their jobs to allow them to be president of HIRC. This position requires continuity, and I still have a lot to offer the board with the experience I have from being part of the Rally for over five years – not to mention, I love the Rally and believe very strongly in it.
Dave Ventura, HIRC president
