Raffle Tickets Fundraiser Explained: How Your Small Entry Makes a Massive Impact

I still remember the wind. It was a crisp afternoon, and for the first time, my mom, Leslie, climbed onto the back of my bike. She wasn't a rider, not really, but she wanted to share that part of my world just once. I can still see her smile in the rearview mirror, her hair catching the breeze as we cruised through the neighborhood. When we pulled back into the driveway, she was beaming. "Troy," she told me, "I want to do that again. Next time, let's go further."

But there wasn't a next time. Mom passed away before we could take that second ride.

That single afternoon became the cornerstone of what we do here. Every time I fire up my engine for Leslie’s Ride, I feel like I’m finally taking her on that longer trip she asked for. But more than that, I’m carrying forward the work she dedicated her life to. Before she was "Mom" to me, she was a fierce advocate as the Head Coordinator at W.E.A.V.E., fighting tirelessly against domestic violence and sex trafficking.

Today, we’ve turned that personal loss into a community-wide mission. Leslie’s Ride isn't just a motorcycle run; it’s a two-in-one celebration. We start with a ride to honor her legacy and end with a massive music festival to celebrate the lives we are helping to change. And one of the most powerful tools we have in that fight? The humble raffle ticket.

Why a Little Paper Ticket is a "Fragile Bomb" of Impact

Mom used to wear a shirt that said, "Not Fragile Like a Flower, Fragile Like a Bomb." It’s a phrase that has become a bit of a motto for us. It represents the strength of the women she served, women who might have felt broken but possessed an explosive power to rebuild their lives.

When you buy a raffle ticket at our event, you aren't just taking a gamble on a prize. You are planting a seed of support. You might think, "It's just five bucks," or "What difference does one ticket make?" But when hundreds of us come together, those small entries create a breath-taking wave of resources for the organizations continuing Mom's work.

Where Does the Raffle Money Go?

The funds raised through our raffle go directly toward supporting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. This means:

• Emergency Shelter: Providing a safe place for someone to sleep when home isn't safe anymore.

• Advocacy Programs: Funding the very kind of work my mom did at W.E.A.V.E., guiding survivors through the legal and emotional hurdles of recovery.

• Community Education: Helping us spread awareness so we can stop the cycle of violence before it starts.

Every ticket in that drum represents a meal, a safe night’s sleep, or a voice for someone who has been silenced. It's a small entry, yes, but its impact is nothing short of massive.

More Than Just a Chance to Win: The VIP Experience

We want to make sure that those who go the extra mile to support the cause feel the love in return. That’s why we’ve woven our raffle tickets directly into our registration packages. We’ve designed these levels to offer something for everyone, whether you’re a solo rider or coming with a whole crew.

One of the coolest parts of Leslie’s Ride is our celebrity guest, Cody Garbrandt. Having a UFC legend join us adds a whole new level of energy to the day, and our registration tiers are the best way to get close to the action.

Choosing Your Ride Level

Whether you choose the entry-level or the top-tier, every single rider gets a commemorative T-shirt and a grab bag. We want everyone to walk away with a piece of the day.

Let’s Work Together: A Call to Our Community

I often get asked, "Troy, do I need a fancy bike or years of experience to join?" The answer is a resounding no. Whether you've been riding for thirty years or you just bought your first scooter, you are welcome here. We even have folks who don't ride at all but come for the music and the raffle!

If you’re a business owner or a local leader, let’s work together. We offer high-visibility perks for our sponsors because we know that when your business supports a cause like this, our community notices. We’re flexible, too: we can even set up payment plans if you want to support at a higher level but need to spread it out.

A Legacy That Lives On

As I look toward our next event, I can't help but think of my mom's face that day on the bike. She didn't get her second ride, but through all of you, she’s getting thousands of them. Every time a kickstand goes up, every time a raffle ticket is torn, and every time we dance at the festival, we are saying that her life: and the lives she fought for: matter.

Won't you join us? Whether you register as a Road King or just stop by to buy a few raffle tickets, you are part of this story.

Thank you for helping me keep my promise to her. I’ll see you on the road.

With gratitude,

Troy Goings Event Coordinator & Son Leslie’s Ride

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FAQ: Raffle and Registration

Do I have to be present to win the raffle? While we love having everyone there for the drawing, check our specific event rules for the year. Most of our big prizes require you to be present to feel that "win" with the crowd!

Can I buy more raffle tickets at the event? Absolutely! While the Chopper and Road King levels give you a great head start, we will have ticket stations set up throughout the festival.

Is my registration tax-deductible? Since you are receiving goods and services (like shirts and VIP seating), usually only the portion above the fair market value is deductible. We always recommend chatting with your tax pro for the specifics!

What if I don't ride a motorcycle? You are still invited! Come for the music festival, buy some raffle tickets, and soak in the community spirit. The "Ride" is just the beginning of the day.

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