Hey all - since I work in mental health, I'm playing around with the idea of putting my passions together and trying to put together a car show to benefit and/or raise awareness of mental illness... I have contacted the local chapter of NAMI, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and they seem to be interested, but now I'm asking you guys that have been involved in shows and putting them together to tell me exactly what I'm looking at here... I'd like your ideas of what I need to know and what needs to be done that I maybe wouldn't think of, how you've put things together, marketed, etc, how difficult and time-consuming it is, etc... and also, if you're in Arizona or even close, if anyone may be interested in coming out for it... let me know... Longroof
If you're not busy tomorrow (Saturday), come down to Sierra Vista (about a 3 hr drive) and attend the Boys and Girls Club car show. It's a benefit show which two of my friends (Joe and Larry) put on each year, and I think they'd be happy to share their knowledge and ideas with you. They raise several thouasnd bucks each year with this show.
Putting on a show is only for the stupid, rich or pasionate...... That being said its alot of work and the rewards are well limited to enjoyment....I love doing this have in the past and will again I have no doubt....I would contact Moldy Marvin he does Rat Fink Party and Extravaganza every year which is partially a fundraise I beleive and after Viva contact Axle both put on a good show.....you'll need bands food booze parking space flyers security and much more shoot me an email if you would like and I will offer what I can in the way of advice...maybe even help locate some bands your direction.....
Here's what we do to put on our Berkshire Charity car show (20 years this year) Get a group of 4-5 people who will plan it.( maybe a local car club) Figure out how many classes you'll have and get local businesses to sponsor a class for $100. This will cover the trophies,dash plaques,and supplies.And you'll have the up front money you need to get it done. Layout your show field and do a map of it. Get volunteers to cook food to sell.(Here's where you make the bucks !!! ) Get local food suppliers to donate food and drinks. Provide bathrooms / portopotties. Either hire a band / DJ or look for someone to donate their time and equipment to play music,make announcements,etc. Keep the show judging simple ;either have participant fill out ballots that someone has to count or have a committee select the winners. Design and print flyers. Don't get discouraged,the first year might flop but shows held on the same date every year usually grow. Oh, and work ,work,work ........
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