CHICAGO, Nov. 5 ...For A Cause, Inc. has been combining good times with good causes since 2001, and for the same price or less than a conventional walking or cycling vacation participants can experience Spain or Tuscany, Italy at its best, help children with AIDS or those affected by Breast Cancer, and receive a tax deduction on their 2010 taxes. The fundraising vacations -- "fund-cations" -- are organized like a typical bicycling or walking vacation, but at the end of the week participants leave knowing they made a difference. "Unlike for-profit companies, whose primary focus is their return on the bottom line, our focus is on the return to the beneficiaries," said founder Rob Webber.
Advertisement
The standard Registration Fee (cost of the trip) is $2,650.00 PP DO, which includes almost everything while on the trip. All of the participant's meals, lodging, snacks, water, sports drinks, van support, guides and even bike rental. What's not included is transportation to and from the event, tips, and alcohol. When the participant returns home they will receive a tax donation letter for $1,000.00 and know they did something good while they were on vacation. There are also lower Registration Fees that require the participant to do a little fundraising to help their favorite cause. Lower Registration Fees include $1,650.00 PP DO and includes a minimum fundraising requirement of $1,000.00 and a lower Registration Fee of $500.00 PP DO and has a minimum fundraising requirement of $2,500.00. Both of these lower Registration Fees include everything the higher fee includes, without the tax donation letter. The lowest Registration Fee has part of the participant's donations cover event expenses.
Advertisement
Events scheduled for 2010 include Tuscany, Italy, September 12 - 18, and Spain, September 26 - October 2. On both events participants choose if they want to walk or ride for the week -- they can even walk one day and ride another if they are so inclined. This is perfect for couples or groups where not everyone likes to bicycle or walk. There are also spots for "crewmembers." Crewmembers travel along with the walkers and riders in the support vans making sure everyone is hydrated and on the correct route. They are also there if anyone needs a rest or lift for part of the day. The events attract a wide range of participants from across the U.S. and include women, singles, couples, groups, gay, lesbian, and older travelers.
Accommodations for the events are first-class and private, usually having played host to royalty, in either converted castles or villas, include a combination of queen/king or twin size beds, and have private bathrooms. Participants stay in one central location and make day trips into the countryside and back to the castle or villa. This eliminates the need for packing and unpacking everyday, which allows for more time spent exploring the region. Meals on the trips are multi-course, starting with a hearty breakfast each morning, lunch alfresco along the route or in local taverns, and nightly dinners consisting of 4-courses prepared by the house staff.
Each day walkers and riders will set out on a different route; walkers average 10-15 miles per day and riders between 40-60 miles per day. The routes usually intersect so everyone can share experiences at the end of the day. Each day's travels will bring the participants to a new destination -- a hilltop town, seaside village, or mountain pass depending on the country and region. Participants will explore abbeys, churches, wineries, and other castles throughout the week. While this can be exciting, participants never lose focus as to why they are there (besides the great accommodations, food, and country), to help those that need it most. Each day begins with personal stories as to why the participants are there and why they are connected to their cause. Many participants return year after year. "This is the only vacation where a group of strangers leave as life-long friends," noted past participant Terie Lesner of Encino, CA. "I think it's the common thread we all share from the very beginning, wanting to make a difference; it just brings you together from the very start." Teri is a breast cancer survivor and has participated in multiple events.
For more information on the events, please visit our website at HTTP://WWW.RFAC.ORG.
...For A Cause, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to energize and inspire people to make a difference in the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS and breast cancer, and to assure that no one face these battles alone.
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.
Contact: Rob Webber Phone: 773-960-4365 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rfac.org
SOURCE ...For A Cause, Inc.
