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!"