Riding For A Cure and Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Research is No Vacation!
Written By: Jan Emanuel-Costley
(Founder & President - Divas For A Cure)
"Riding For A Cure and Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Research is No Vacation!" I couldn’t agree more.
The average individual cost to participate as a Chore Group Rider is approximaely $3,000.00. So, are you still convinced “You have what it takes to ride with a Diva?”
Do you have any CLUE as to what you are really committing yourself to?
Here a few things to consider...
1st Clue should be the Tag Line – “Do You Have What It Takes To Ride With A Diva?”
2nd Clue…6000 miles in 22 days (an average of 450 miles per day)
3rd Clue…The Route, Rules of the Road and Requirements
4th Clue…Chore Group Riders must apply to participate - (Rider Letter of Interest, Commitment to the Full Route and Financial Ability)
5th Clue…ALL 2008 DFAC Core Group Participants (Riders, Chase Vehicle Driver and Road Captain) must review, agree and sign the following documents):
• 2008 Waiver & Release of Liability
• DFAC Emergency Contact List
• DFAC Disclosure & Check List
• DFAC Packing List
If you have additional questions, please refer to the 2008 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions for more details or the Directory Page on the website at www.DivasForACure.org
Well, if you still think that the Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run is a fun filled adventure and guided tour across the United States - - you are sadly mistaken and will be greatly disappointed. Nor is it a marathon shopping tour with leisure riding, overnight stays at bed and breakfast inns, hotels and spas with a few women and men who don’t have day jobs. It is an intense 22-day fundraising campaign where the riders volunteer their time to participate and pay their own way. A true non-profit event.
Divas For A Cure “DFAC” is not a motorcycle Club. DFAC is a non-profit public benefit corporation. The DFAC Signature Event is an organized Breast Cancer Run established in 2005 to promote Breast Cancer Awareness, Early Detection and to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research.
The Annual Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run is an AMA sanctioned and insured event. The Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run is not a Buffalo Soldier Motorcycle Club Event but is supported by the volunteer participation of many of the members of various chapters along the route each year. This event is underwritten by various corporate sponsors and officially escorted by designated members of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club who volunteer their time and talent to help support the cause. All Pick-Up Riders and Escorts must pay a $35.00 Rider Registration Fee and also sign the AMA/DFAC Waiver & Release.
The DFAC Route and Meet & Greet Schedules are pre-determined and marketed to the general public and corporate sponsors 6-8 months prior to departing. The Route schedule is determined based on sponsored stops (Meet & Greets and Media Appearances). Daily departure times and riding schedule will fluctuate and will be based on distance, road/traffic, weather and riding conditions. An average riding day is generally 8 hours (which includes breakfast and/or lunch and brief fuel and rest stops). Meet & Greet stops average 2-1/2 hours per sponsored stop.
The Annual Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run is just one of many events throughout the year that help to continue the mission and served the community. The 8 month planning process is managed by the Jan Emanuel-Costley (Founder & President and DFAC Spokesperson) and Aj Coffee (Vice-President & Logistics Coordinator) along with various other volunteers who donate their time and talent to soliciting corporate sponsorship, rider participation, email marketing, website maintenance and corresponding to various email communications.
Much of the DFAC Operating & Administrative Costs are funded through corporate sponsorship and primarily through the sales of DFAC Lapel Pens, Patches and other Breast Cancer Merchandise throughout the year.
There are no paid salaries. Everyone is a volunteer (Board of Directors, Founder & President, Riders, and other Participants). All of the Riders/Participants are required to pay their own way to participate in the Annual Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run.
Each year, I personally fund and donate my time and talent and the use of my SUV and Trailer, as well as also pay my own personal expenses to participate in the DFAC event.
Estimated Cost:
• Gas for SUV - $3,100.00
• SUV – Maintenance/Oil Change - $500.00
• Trailer - Tires/Servicing - $350.00
• Hotel (Average Cost For Shared Hotel Accommodations for 2 People) - $1,900
• Road Captain Gas - Motorcycle - $533.00
• Founder & President Gas - Motorcycle - $650.00
• Tolls - SUV, Trailer & Motorcycle - $250.00
• Meals - $500.00
Donated and/or Funded By Jan Emanuel-Costley & TC Costley - $7,783.00
In hindsight, I have no regrets for my commitment to Divas For A Cure. I understand that as the Founder & President of Divas For A Cure - I am ultimately responsible for all aspects of the organization. I accept the challenges that comes with being a leader as well as the financial, legal and fiduciary responsibility that comes with managing a non-profit organization.
I also realize that at the end of the day when all is said and done there will always be a few who will criticize you and some who will applaud your efforts. Therefore, it is with that knowledge that I remain focused on the mission “Breast Cancer Awareness, Promoting Early Detection and Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Research.”
There will always be ups and downs to any grassroots organization – so I will continue to count it all JOY! At the end of our 2008 campaign we will be able to celebrate our collective efforts by writing a check to the Breast Cancer Research Center for more than $30,000.00. We are still collecting funds and will keep you posted on our continued fundraising efforts.
Peace & Abundant Blessings,
Jan Emanuel-Costley,
Founder & President - Divas For A Cure
"I'm not just a Rider - I'm also a Survivor!"
(Founder & President - Divas For A Cure)
"Riding For A Cure and Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Research is No Vacation!" I couldn’t agree more.
The average individual cost to participate as a Chore Group Rider is approximaely $3,000.00. So, are you still convinced “You have what it takes to ride with a Diva?”
Do you have any CLUE as to what you are really committing yourself to?
Here a few things to consider...
1st Clue should be the Tag Line – “Do You Have What It Takes To Ride With A Diva?”
2nd Clue…6000 miles in 22 days (an average of 450 miles per day)
3rd Clue…The Route, Rules of the Road and Requirements
4th Clue…Chore Group Riders must apply to participate - (Rider Letter of Interest, Commitment to the Full Route and Financial Ability)
5th Clue…ALL 2008 DFAC Core Group Participants (Riders, Chase Vehicle Driver and Road Captain) must review, agree and sign the following documents):
• 2008 Waiver & Release of Liability
• DFAC Emergency Contact List
• DFAC Disclosure & Check List
• DFAC Packing List
If you have additional questions, please refer to the 2008 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions for more details or the Directory Page on the website at www.DivasForACure.org
Well, if you still think that the Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run is a fun filled adventure and guided tour across the United States - - you are sadly mistaken and will be greatly disappointed. Nor is it a marathon shopping tour with leisure riding, overnight stays at bed and breakfast inns, hotels and spas with a few women and men who don’t have day jobs. It is an intense 22-day fundraising campaign where the riders volunteer their time to participate and pay their own way. A true non-profit event.
Divas For A Cure “DFAC” is not a motorcycle Club. DFAC is a non-profit public benefit corporation. The DFAC Signature Event is an organized Breast Cancer Run established in 2005 to promote Breast Cancer Awareness, Early Detection and to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research.
The Annual Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run is an AMA sanctioned and insured event. The Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run is not a Buffalo Soldier Motorcycle Club Event but is supported by the volunteer participation of many of the members of various chapters along the route each year. This event is underwritten by various corporate sponsors and officially escorted by designated members of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club who volunteer their time and talent to help support the cause. All Pick-Up Riders and Escorts must pay a $35.00 Rider Registration Fee and also sign the AMA/DFAC Waiver & Release.
The DFAC Route and Meet & Greet Schedules are pre-determined and marketed to the general public and corporate sponsors 6-8 months prior to departing. The Route schedule is determined based on sponsored stops (Meet & Greets and Media Appearances). Daily departure times and riding schedule will fluctuate and will be based on distance, road/traffic, weather and riding conditions. An average riding day is generally 8 hours (which includes breakfast and/or lunch and brief fuel and rest stops). Meet & Greet stops average 2-1/2 hours per sponsored stop.
The Annual Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run is just one of many events throughout the year that help to continue the mission and served the community. The 8 month planning process is managed by the Jan Emanuel-Costley (Founder & President and DFAC Spokesperson) and Aj Coffee (Vice-President & Logistics Coordinator) along with various other volunteers who donate their time and talent to soliciting corporate sponsorship, rider participation, email marketing, website maintenance and corresponding to various email communications.
Much of the DFAC Operating & Administrative Costs are funded through corporate sponsorship and primarily through the sales of DFAC Lapel Pens, Patches and other Breast Cancer Merchandise throughout the year.
There are no paid salaries. Everyone is a volunteer (Board of Directors, Founder & President, Riders, and other Participants). All of the Riders/Participants are required to pay their own way to participate in the Annual Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run.
Each year, I personally fund and donate my time and talent and the use of my SUV and Trailer, as well as also pay my own personal expenses to participate in the DFAC event.
Estimated Cost:
• Gas for SUV - $3,100.00
• SUV – Maintenance/Oil Change - $500.00
• Trailer - Tires/Servicing - $350.00
• Hotel (Average Cost For Shared Hotel Accommodations for 2 People) - $1,900
• Road Captain Gas - Motorcycle - $533.00
• Founder & President Gas - Motorcycle - $650.00
• Tolls - SUV, Trailer & Motorcycle - $250.00
• Meals - $500.00
Donated and/or Funded By Jan Emanuel-Costley & TC Costley - $7,783.00
In hindsight, I have no regrets for my commitment to Divas For A Cure. I understand that as the Founder & President of Divas For A Cure - I am ultimately responsible for all aspects of the organization. I accept the challenges that comes with being a leader as well as the financial, legal and fiduciary responsibility that comes with managing a non-profit organization.
I also realize that at the end of the day when all is said and done there will always be a few who will criticize you and some who will applaud your efforts. Therefore, it is with that knowledge that I remain focused on the mission “Breast Cancer Awareness, Promoting Early Detection and Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Research.”
There will always be ups and downs to any grassroots organization – so I will continue to count it all JOY! At the end of our 2008 campaign we will be able to celebrate our collective efforts by writing a check to the Breast Cancer Research Center for more than $30,000.00. We are still collecting funds and will keep you posted on our continued fundraising efforts.
Peace & Abundant Blessings,
Jan Emanuel-Costley,
Founder & President - Divas For A Cure
"I'm not just a Rider - I'm also a Survivor!"
Words of Encouragement from Gary Hudgins
From: Gary Hudgins
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 19:28:01 EDT
To: info@DivasForACure.org
Subject: I saw you in Raleigh NC today
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 19:28:01 EDT
To: info@DivasForACure.org
Subject: I saw you in Raleigh NC today
Hi Ladies, I was on my way home form work today and saw you on I-40 east heading into Raleigh, NC around 5:15pm. What a sight to see plus what an organization to find out about. I have never heard of you and decided to look up your web site when I logged on. I tried to toot my horn and give the thumbs-up to you but traffic was backing up and I could not get close. My mother who is an amazing lady has survived not one but two cancers. In 1980 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and championed her way through the ordeal. Three years ago in 2005 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent an elective double mastectomy. Not to forget that 3 years prior to her diagnosis with breast cancer, my sister was also diagnosed with the disease and had a double mastectomy. Thankfully with testing I have been cleared by my doctor from carrying the gene...I guess we will see huh? But seeing you ride through town gave me chills in a happy way and made me realize the you are a hero to someone in your lives like my mom is my hero in my life. My mom however does not ride a "bike" and currently does not work due to being simply beat down by cancer. But she keeps on going and making her way through life. She can no longer work and is retired and is taking care of her husband who is also retired but is now suffering from strokes. So it was really great seeing strong and determined ladies making a difference by bringing awareness and raising funds to support research which sadly is not funded by our government. Good luck on your journey and be safe while riding the highways of our great country.
Warmest regards. Gary Hudgins - Morrisville, NC
Words of Encouragement from Melanie Hollar
Sunday, August 03, 2008
------Original Message------
From: Melanie Hollar
To: Jan "Sunny" Emanuel-Costley
Sent: Aug 4, 2008 9:18 PM
Subject: Saw you on the rode
From: Melanie Hollar
To: Jan "Sunny" Emanuel-Costley
Sent: Aug 4, 2008 9:18 PM
Subject: Saw you on the rode
I was driving home from work today and saw about 8 women on motorcycles---each one had "Buffalo Soldiers on their jackets....I am a woman harley rider myself and the greatest part is that I am an oncology nurse!! I am a big advocate for cancer (esp. colon cancer b/c my first husband died 6 years ago at the age of 35 with colon cancer). I am studying to become a breast cancer certified oncology nurse for the Spring 2009----thought this was awesome when I saw it on the road today and came home to look up the website that I saw on the trailor following the women!!!! Thanks for all you do!!!! Wish I could ride some day with the
group.
Melanie Hollar, RN, BSN, OCN
Words of Encouragement from Kimberley Szobody
From: Szobody,Kimberley
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 8:42 AM
To: info@DivasForACure.org
Subject: Hello All
I just saw a Divas for a Cure group riding on I-69 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a breast cancer survivor, (I was 32 when I was diagnosed - seven years ago) I had to see what your organization was about! Go Divas Go!!!! :>)
Kim Szobody
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 8:42 AM
To: info@DivasForACure.org
Subject: Hello All
I just saw a Divas for a Cure group riding on I-69 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a breast cancer survivor, (I was 32 when I was diagnosed - seven years ago) I had to see what your organization was about! Go Divas Go!!!! :>)
Kim Szobody
Buffalo Soldiers honor the warriors aboard Flight 93
Saturday, August 02, 2008
http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2008/08/02/video_galleries/video678.txt
Buffalo Soldiers honor the warriors aboard Flight 93
By MICHELLE GANASSI
Daily American Staff Writer
Friday, August 1, 2008 5:54 AM EDT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STONYCREEK TOWNSHIP — More than 200 motorcycles roared to the Flight 93 temporary memorial Thursday.
The National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club formed a line about a mile long when they traveled from Seven Springs to the memorial to pay tribute to the heroes of Flight 93. The majority of the members, who represent chapters from across the United States, visited the site for the first time Thursday, club founder Ken Thomas said.
“For a lot of us, this is our first time visiting Pennsylvania,” he said.
The group marched down to the site in formation and presented a wreath.
Barbara Black, memorial archivist, said the National Park Service was privileged and proud the group visited the memorial.
“The Buffalo Soldiers have been lovers of freedom and bravery and courage,” she said, addressing the crowd. “Just as the passengers and crew of Flight 93 were as well.”
National President Thomas Costley said, like the Buffalo Soldiers, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 fought a battle.
“But unlike the Buffalo Soldiers, the 33 passengers and seven crew members did not have a .45-caliber strapped to their hip or a rifle on their horse,” he said. “They had to come up with an idea and a strategy in a matter of moments. This is a battle field indeed. There was a battle before their death. They did all they could to save other Americans. We have to recognize these heroes as much as we recognize any hero we read about in history books.”
Thomas encouraged people to learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers, a group of former slaves, freeman and black Civil War soldiers who served America during peacetime.
“We love our country,” he told the crowd. “That’s why we are here.”
The group also gave the park service $500 for the construction of the Flight 93 National Memorial.
“This will help us to build the memorial,” Black said while accepting the check.
After the ceremony, the visitors took time to take photographs and tour the temporary memorial.
William Shields, who was part of the wreath ceremony, said he was moved by his first visit to the site. He plans on visiting again once the memorial is built.
“This is hallowed ground,” he said. “Shanksville is such a mystical place.”
Sam Pearson of northern Virginia described his first visit to the site as touching and beautiful.
“You can’t really put it into words,” he said. “All I can do is just pray. And say thank you. There were a lot of brave warriors on that flight.”
Part of the run was used to raise money for breast cancer research. Jan Emanuel, a breast cancer survivor from New Jersey, founded the Dare to be a Diva motorcycle run. She said Buffalo Soldier groups in different states help with the ride. She said they meet at Harley Davidson dealerships. In its first two years, they donated $75,000 to cancer research.
“We’re at the halfway point this year and have already raised $23,000,” she said.
Thomas said the motorcycle club is made up of active and retired military personnel, troopers and other law enforcement officers, and white- and blue-collar workers.
“It’s a lot of good people,” he said.
The Somerset County Sheriff’s Department provided an escort from Seven Springs to the site with the help of local law enforcement.
“It was great,” Thomas said. “Their cooperation with us was incredible.”
Sheriff John Mankey said everything went smoothly.
“There wasn’t anything close to an incident,” he said. “Everyone was cooperative. They were a nice group of people, very safe, very nice. We thank everyone involved and everyone who chipped in to make it work.”
(Michelle Ganassi can be reached at michelleg@dailyamerican.com.
Buffalo Soldiers honor the warriors aboard Flight 93
By MICHELLE GANASSI
Daily American Staff Writer
Friday, August 1, 2008 5:54 AM EDT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STONYCREEK TOWNSHIP — More than 200 motorcycles roared to the Flight 93 temporary memorial Thursday.
The National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club formed a line about a mile long when they traveled from Seven Springs to the memorial to pay tribute to the heroes of Flight 93. The majority of the members, who represent chapters from across the United States, visited the site for the first time Thursday, club founder Ken Thomas said.
“For a lot of us, this is our first time visiting Pennsylvania,” he said.
The group marched down to the site in formation and presented a wreath.
Barbara Black, memorial archivist, said the National Park Service was privileged and proud the group visited the memorial.
“The Buffalo Soldiers have been lovers of freedom and bravery and courage,” she said, addressing the crowd. “Just as the passengers and crew of Flight 93 were as well.”
National President Thomas Costley said, like the Buffalo Soldiers, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 fought a battle.
“But unlike the Buffalo Soldiers, the 33 passengers and seven crew members did not have a .45-caliber strapped to their hip or a rifle on their horse,” he said. “They had to come up with an idea and a strategy in a matter of moments. This is a battle field indeed. There was a battle before their death. They did all they could to save other Americans. We have to recognize these heroes as much as we recognize any hero we read about in history books.”
Thomas encouraged people to learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers, a group of former slaves, freeman and black Civil War soldiers who served America during peacetime.
“We love our country,” he told the crowd. “That’s why we are here.”
The group also gave the park service $500 for the construction of the Flight 93 National Memorial.
“This will help us to build the memorial,” Black said while accepting the check.
After the ceremony, the visitors took time to take photographs and tour the temporary memorial.
William Shields, who was part of the wreath ceremony, said he was moved by his first visit to the site. He plans on visiting again once the memorial is built.
“This is hallowed ground,” he said. “Shanksville is such a mystical place.”
Sam Pearson of northern Virginia described his first visit to the site as touching and beautiful.
“You can’t really put it into words,” he said. “All I can do is just pray. And say thank you. There were a lot of brave warriors on that flight.”
Part of the run was used to raise money for breast cancer research. Jan Emanuel, a breast cancer survivor from New Jersey, founded the Dare to be a Diva motorcycle run. She said Buffalo Soldier groups in different states help with the ride. She said they meet at Harley Davidson dealerships. In its first two years, they donated $75,000 to cancer research.
“We’re at the halfway point this year and have already raised $23,000,” she said.
Thomas said the motorcycle club is made up of active and retired military personnel, troopers and other law enforcement officers, and white- and blue-collar workers.
“It’s a lot of good people,” he said.
The Somerset County Sheriff’s Department provided an escort from Seven Springs to the site with the help of local law enforcement.
“It was great,” Thomas said. “Their cooperation with us was incredible.”
Sheriff John Mankey said everything went smoothly.
“There wasn’t anything close to an incident,” he said. “Everyone was cooperative. They were a nice group of people, very safe, very nice. We thank everyone involved and everyone who chipped in to make it work.”
(Michelle Ganassi can be reached at michelleg@dailyamerican.com.
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