Struggling to Make an Impact? 5 Simple Ways Our Raffle Tickets Fundraiser Changes Lives

Do you ever look at the world and feel a bit small? I know I do. It’s easy to scroll through the news or walk down a city street and feel like the problems, domestic violence, sex trafficking, the cycles of trauma, are just too big for one person to fix. You want to help, but where do you even start?

If you’ve been following our journey at Leslie’s Ride, you know that we believe in the power of the "small" things. A single ride. A shared song. And yes, even a humble raffle ticket.

I’m Troy Goings, and I started this event to honor my mom, Leslie. She was a cornerstone of advocacy in our community, serving as the Head Coordinator at W.E.A.V.E. for years. She spent her life in the trenches, fighting for people who felt they had no voice. She was strong, compassionate, and fierce: exactly what the world needs more of.

But there’s a part of her story that drives everything we do here. You see, my mom never actually rode a motorcycle by herself. She was always the one cheering from the sidelines. One day, she finally hopped on the back of my bike for a quick ride around the block. When we got back, she had the biggest, most breath-taking smile on her face. She looked at me and said, "Troy, I want to do that again. Next time, let’s go further."

She passed away before we could take that second ride.

Now, every year, we go "further" for her. We’ve turned that one unfinished ride into a massive two-in-one event: a motorcycle ride to honor her legacy and a music festival to celebrate the lives she spent her career saving. And while the roar of the engines is incredible, it’s the funds from things like our raffle tickets that truly do the heavy lifting.

If you’re wondering if a few tickets can really make a difference, let me show you exactly how your support changes lives.

1. Keeping the "Lights On" for Survivors

When someone is in the middle of a crisis, every second counts. The funds we raise through our raffle ticket fundraiser help support the 24/7 crisis lines and immediate intervention services that organizations like W.E.A.V.E. provide. Imagine being in a situation where you feel completely trapped, and you finally find the courage to pick up the phone. Your raffle ticket helps ensure there is a kind, trained voice on the other end of that line, ready to provide hope in the darkest hour. It’s not just a ticket; it’s a lifeline.

2. The "Road King" of Legal Defense

Navigating the legal system is intimidating for anyone, but for a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault, it can feel impossible. Proceeds from our event help fund legal advocacy programs. This means survivors have someone standing by their side in the courtroom, helping them file restraining orders, and ensuring their rights are protected. We call our top registration tier the "Road King" because it represents leadership and strength: and that’s exactly what your support provides to someone fighting for their freedom in the legal system.

3. Safe Havens and Restorative Sleep

My mom used to say that you can’t begin to heal until you feel safe. One of the most direct impacts of our fundraising is supporting emergency shelters. These aren't just buildings; they are sanctuaries where families can sleep without fear for the first time in years. Your contribution helps provide beds, warm meals, and the security needed for survivors to catch their breath and start planning their next steps. It’s about turning a house into a home for those who have had their peace stolen.

4. Shining a Light on the Shadows (Sex Trafficking Outreach)

Sex trafficking is a heavy subject, and it’s one my mom was deeply passionate about. It happens in the shadows, often right in our own backyards. A portion of the funds raised goes toward specialized outreach and education programs designed to identify victims and provide them with the specific, trauma-informed care they need to escape. By buying a ticket or registering for the ride, you are helping us shine a light into those dark corners and bring people back into the safety of the community.

5. Building a Community of Awareness

This is where the music festival comes in. We don't just want to provide crisis care; we want to change the culture. Our festival is a celebration of life, but it’s also a massive platform for awareness. By bringing people together: motorcycle enthusiasts, music fans, and families: we are building a community that explicitly says, "We do not tolerate violence." Your support helps us keep this event inclusive and high-impact, showing survivors that an entire city has their back.

The Thrill of the Win: Prizes That Give Back

Let’s be honest: part of the fun of a raffle is the chance to win something amazing! We’ve had some incredible prizes over the years, and this year is no different. But the real "win" is knowing that even if your number isn't called, your money has already gone to work.

We also have the absolute honor of hosting UFC legend Cody Garbrandt as our celebrity guest. Having him there brings such an electric energy to the day. If you want the best chance at the raffle and the best experience at the festival, you’ll want to look at our higher registration tiers.

How to Join the Mission (No Skills Required!)

I want to be very clear: you don’t need a motorcycle to be part of Leslie’s Ride. You don’t need to be an expert rider, and you don’t need any specialized equipment. We are a warm, welcoming, and inclusive bunch. If you have a heart for the cause, you belong here.

We’ve organized our registration into three simple tiers so you can choose how you want to show up:

• Cruiser Rider ($75): This is your entry into the charity ride. You’ll get an official event wristband and a commemorative T-shirt. Plus, keep an eye out for our early bird special: it allows two riders on one bike, and you both get entry!

• Chopper Level Rider ($150): This is where the raffle magic starts. You get everything in the Cruiser level, plus 5 Raffle Tickets, two event wristbands, and VIP seating at the music festival for two people.

• Road King Rider ($300): This is the ultimate way to support the legacy. You get all the Chopper benefits, 10 Raffle Tickets, 4 event wristbands, 4 VIP seats, an exclusive rider patch or pin, and: my favorite perk: VIP parking right at the event.

Every single rider, regardless of tier, walks away with a commemorative T-shirt and a grab bag. We want you to have a piece of Leslie’s legacy to take home with you.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re a local business owner or looking for a way to get your company involved, let’s work together. We love our partners and offer high-visibility perks to make sure the community knows you’re standing with us. We’re also flexible: if you want to support at a higher level, we can even chat about payment plans to make it work for your budget.

Won’t You Join Us?

At the end of the day, Leslie’s Ride is about a promise. It’s a promise I made to my mom to keep going "further." It’s a promise to the survivors in Sacramento that they aren't alone. And it’s a promise to ourselves that we can make an impact, one raffle ticket at a time.

So, what do you say? Whether you’re riding a custom chopper or just coming for the music and the raffle, we can’t wait to see you there. Let’s make some noise, raise some funds, and change some lives together.

With heart and gratitude,

Troy Goings Event Coordinator & Son Leslie’s Ride

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