About the AIDS Charity LifeRide 2008 Event

About Life Ride

The AIDS Charity ride idea was created by a group of gay bikers from the various motorcycle clubs discussing a fundraising event.  Chris Wenzel, the 1997 President of The Satyrs Motorcycle Club of Los Angeles, organized the very first AIDS Charity Ride in 1998.  The Ride was held every year during the month of April as the clubs convened to discuss the charity groups that they would raise funds.  The four original founding clubs are: the Satyrs Motorcycle Club of Los Angeles, The Oedipus Motorcycle Club of Los Angeles, The Warrior Motorcycle Club of Los Angeles and The LoBOCs (Long Beach/Orange County Motorcycle Club).

Use of technology not only helped to increase total funds raised by also offered donors their donation tax receipts instantly.  It also provides a way to ensure the funds are used for direct services and not used to pay salaries, overhead expenses and other non-direct services.  The Foundation reviews each selected organization for IRS compliance guidelines, fundraising efficiency to delivered-service ratios, auditing and agreement compliance and measured results.

The collaboration with the Foundation ensures that every donor dollar is maximized through a series of audits and compliance reviews by a beneficiary committee.  Donations are limited to direct services and prevention and education programs.  Funds cannot be used to pay for salaries, indirect overhead expenses and unrelated or unapproved capital improvements.  The Foundation is also responsible for all administrative, logistical, legal and vendor compliance.  In return the participating clubs and bikers only need to fundraising and send out viral emails.

The goal is to eventually, with on-line technology, bring back the levels of fundraising that was once the hallmark of this event