Fundraising for the Lost Sierra Route
And earn your entry fees back!
Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has a fundraising campaign opportunity where Downieville Classic racers can earn their entry fees back by rallying their friends, family and social networks to donate to the Connected Communities Project. By raising donations to build the The Lost Sierra Route, you will help a region recover from devastating wildfires and economic hardship through the creation of this 600+ mile multiuse trail. The Route will connect 15 mountain communities to promote economic prosperity through recreation - a $887 billion industry - and create new jobs in the Lost Sierra region.
To be reimbursed for their paid entry fees, all juniors fundraise $220 in donations while all adults fundraise $445 in donations. This one time payment will happen within two weeks following the race on Saturday, June 3. But don't stop there! Raise as much as you can to further contribute to our cause and to get in the running for a top donor prize and an exclusive invite to the pre-race Thursday Night Party.
Fundraising supports building The Lost Sierra Route! As part of Connected Communities, this route will link over 600-miles of multi-use trail traversing over breathtaking topography similar to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the John Muir Trail (Nüümü Poyo or JMT).
The Goal
We are providing the fundraiser opportunity with Downieville Classic race entries this year because we want this to be more than just a bike race or a hard ride. We want you to be a part of something bigger. In this case, we are giving our riders a means to earn your Downieville Classic entry fee back while also contributing to SBTS's larger goal, the construction of the Lost Sierra Route: a 600+ mile recreational trail plan that will link together 15 mountain communities here in the Lost Sierra that have been devastated by decades of economic hardship and, most recently, back-to-back megafires.
This video right here helps explain why we are doing this…
Making your Downieville Classic entry bigger than your ride, and creating a more immersive conversation – with your friends, your families, and your social media footprints – is a way to help us raise awareness of the Lost Sierra Route, as well as shine a light on these Lost Sierra communities, and at the same time showcase the spectacular natural beauty of this area and get people inspired to come visit. We are doing this because we want this conversation to grow.
At the basic nuts and bolts level, you can fundraise the following amounts to receive your entry fees back: all juniors raise $220, all adults raise $445. Meet that goal and you earn a free ride and the clout of being an instrumental part to a bigger and better cause, while our entry funds double. A win-win-win for you, the Lost Sierra Route and the communities it will serve. We need your help to bring this route to life, and are stoked to offer this opportunity as a means to do it.
It's Easy To Do
Upon registration, each Downieville Classic participant will have a fundraising web page, on the Pledge Reg Downieville Classic Festival page, that can accept donations, send emails automatically (but not spammy) to friends and family for support and even respond with thank you emails for donations. Everything is in templates making it easy to fundraise, and all you need to do is just add your own personal touch. You can also raise money through Facebook using easy-to-follow instructions. You can even create fundraising teams (fun team names are encouraged!), and the top fundraising team will also be awarded prizes as well.
Steps to Get Started
Step 1 - Set a goal and aim high.
Step 2 - Personalize your fundraising messages by sharing the story of why you ride or volunteer at the Downieville Classic.
Step 3 - Make a self-donation to kickstart your fundraising campaign and show your supporters that you’re leading the way.
Step 4 - Use social media to share your fun and creative stories of training rides, preparations, volunteering at our events/on the trail, videos and photos along the way and ask for fundraising support as you share your journey.
Prizes for Top Fundraisers
On Saturday at the Downieville Classic awards ceremony following the adventurous ride, join us to celebrate coming together to support and uplift the Lost Sierra together at our post race festival of food, beverages and live music!
We'll have prizes for the top three individuals and the top fundraising team recognized with a shout-out on the winner's podium. These are the prizes from the 2022 Downieville Classic fundraising campaign that top donors received, and the 2023 Downieville Classic prizes will be equally juicy.- Top Individual Fundraiser - Full Shimano GRX group including drivetrain, brakes and cranks
- Second Best Individual Fundraiser - WTB CZR Carbon Wheelset
- Third Best Individual Fundraiser - Kuat Bike Rack
Fundraising Tools
A full suite of images, text, and how-to resources to make fundraising easy for you.
How to invite people to view my donation page via email.
- After logging into your PledgeReg donation page, click on “Donor List/Email” either on the right hand site of the page or under the “My Account” menu at the top of the page.
- On the left hand side you can manually enter the first and last name and email address of your prospective donors.
- After creating your email list of prospective donors, check the box to the left of each name you wish to invite and click the “Invite Donors” box
- A sample email will be displayed (with prewritten text!). You can choose to use this sample email or create your own. If creating your own message, take note of your PledgeReg personal URL in the webpage address bar so your invitees can navigate directly to your page.
- After editing your message click the “Send Email” button
Template text for "Why you are raising money"
I am raising donations to build the The Lost Sierra Route, to help the Lost Sierra region of California recover from devastating wildfires and economic hardship through the creation of this 600+ mile multiuse trail. The Route will connect 15 mountain communities to promote economic prosperity through recreation - a $887 billion industry - and create new jobs in the Lost Sierra region. Join me in helping to bring this region changing trail to life with a donation!
Facebook Images
Right click on the ready-to-share images below to download Facebook sized and optimized images.
Instagram Images
Right click on the ready-to-share images below to download Instagram sized and optimized images.
Video to Share: A Trail for Everyone
This video right here helps explain why we are doing this!
Share this video in social or emails by going to the Youtube video (here) and clicking "SHARE".
It's super easy to run a Facebook Fundraiser, just a few clicks and it is launched! Here's how.
- Go to Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship's Facebook page
- Click on "Fundraisers" on the navigation below the main image
- Click on the button "Raise Money" on the right under "Create a Fundraiser".
- Fill in the information details on the left column and click "Create" and your done!
- When you are done email you name and amount raised to info@sierratrails.org
Template text for "Why you are raising money"
I am raising donations to build the The Lost Sierra Route, to help the Lost Sierra region of California recover from devastating wildfires and economic hardship through the creation of this 600+ mile multiuse trail. The Route will connect 15 mountain communities to promote economic prosperity through recreation - a $887 billion industry - and create new jobs in the Lost Sierra region. Join me in helping to bring this region changing trail to life with a donation!
Steps 1, 2 & 3.
Steps 4 & 5
Frequently Asked Questions
How to's to keep you informed.
Where does the money go?
Donations to Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship will build a historic trail – The Lost Sierra Route – through our Connected Communities project and other projects of our 501c3 non-profit. The Lost Sierra Route will be A Trail for Everyone to enjoy (watch video). We will use your donation to leverage state and federal grants to fund a major portion of our work, employ local residents and help our small businesses thrive through recreation and tourism.
What is the fundraising goal?
Our goal is to raise funds for the Lost Sierra Route by June 11, 2022. And we need your help!
Can donors claim the donation on their taxes?
Yes. Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is a 501c3 non-profit.
What if I don't raise $150?
No worries, we do what we can and are all in this together and support each other.
Who is being asked to fundraise?
Everyone is included in this journey. Racers, volunteers, and Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship staff will all put in their best efforts to inspire donations to lift Lost Sierra communities.
How do I sign in and edit my PledgeReg donation page?
To sign in to your page, go to the PledgeReg home page, you will need the email address you used to register for the event and your password. If you don’t have a password, you can request a password to be emailed to you: Go to “My Account” and click on “Participant Sign In” then click on the “Forgot or don’t have your password?” link.
Can I place my own notes, graphics, and links on my fundraising page?
Yes! You can edit the default text; add notes or graphics to fully customize your donation page.
How do I preview the changes I have made to my fundraising page?
When logged in to your PledgeReg fundraising page, click on the “View My Public Page” button. The page displayed is how your public page will appear.
How do I invite people to view my donation page?
- After logging into your PledgeReg donation page, click on “Donor List/Email” either on the right hand side of the page or under the “My Account” menu at the top of the page.
- On the left hand side you can manually enter the first and last name and email address of your prospective donors.
- After creating your email list of prospective donors, check the box to the left of each name you wish to invite and click the “Invite Donors” box
- A sample email will be displayed. You can choose to use this sample email or create your own. If creating your own message, take note of your PledgeReg personal URL in the webpage address bar so your invitees can navigate directly to your page.
- After editing your message click the “Send Email” button
How do I edit my personal information?
To edit your personal information login to your PledgeReg donation page. Click on the “Edit my Personal Info” link on the right list of tasks or select it from the “My Account” drop down menu located at the top right. After editing your info click the “Save Personal Info” button.
How do I see a list of individuals that have donated to me?
- Sign in to your PledgeReg donation page. Click on the “View Donations” link on the list of tasks on the right side of your screen or select it from the “My Account” drop down menu located at the top right of the fundraising page.
- Click the link for “Click here to view your donations to date” in the upper left
What type of information will I receive if someone donates to my fundraising page?
Every time a participant donates, you will automatically receive an email notification with that individual’s name (if they chose to share that information with you) and their donation amount
More detailed information here: https://www.pledgereg.com/FAQ.aspx
Is my fundraising team the same as the team name I used when signing up for the event?
Yes. If you created or joined a team during the registration process, this is now your fundraising team.
How do I create a fundraising team?
There are two ways to create teams. When registering for the event you can enter a team name in the “Create a Team” field. This will make you the “Team Captain”. Or, when logged in to your PledgeReg fundraising page, click the “Fundraising Team” link in the upper right. Click the “Create new Team” button. Here you can add in a team name, fundraising goal for the entire team, a description of your team, and even a team picture. This team information will be displayed when someone visits your team page. Participants can now join your team either when registering for the event or after the fact when logged in to their PledgeReg page.
Who is the Team Captain and what specialized features do they have?
The participant who creates a team during the registration process is by default the Team Captain. Likewise, if a team is created on PledgeReg, the person creating the team is the Team Captain. Team Captains can remove individuals from the team, adjust the team name and fundraising goal, add a team description, team photo, and add team donations.
How do I join a fundraising team?
There are two ways to join teams. When registering for the event you can select an existing team from the “Join a Team” dropdown list. Or, when logged in to your PledgeReg fundraising page, click the “Fundraising Team” link in the upper right. If teams have already been created you can select a team to join from the “Select a Team” dropdown list. Selecting a team from this list will show you a summary of that team and you can then decide to join. Click the “Join Team” button.
How do I remove myself from a fundraising team?
When logged in to your PledgeReg fundraising page, click the “Fundraising Team” link in the upper right. At the top of your team page, click the link for “Remove me from this team”.
I am the captain of a fundraising team. How do I add or remove participants?
- Participants joining your team will need to add themselves during registration or when logged in to their individual PledgeReg page. (see “How do I join a fundraising team?” above).
- To remove participants from your team, those team members should login to their accounts and remove themselves from the team (see “How do I remove myself from a fundraising team?” above). Or, you can contact PledgeReg technical support - support@PledgeReg.com or (888) 956-9560.
I am the captain of a fundraising team. How do I delete / remove my fundraising team?
When logged in to your PledgeReg fundraising page, click the “Fundraising Team” link in the upper right. At the top of your team page, click the button for “Edit Team Info”. At the bottom of the editing page, click the “Delete” button. You’ll be asked to confirm before deleting. If team members have already joined, the team members must first login to their fundraising pages and remove themselves from the team (see “I am the captain of a fundraising team. How do I add or remove participants?” above).
I am a Team Captain. How do I edit our team name, create a team description, add a team photo, or adjust our team fundraising goal?
When logged in to your PledgeReg fundraising page, click the “Fundraising Team” link in the upper right. At the top of your team page, click the button for “Edit Team Info”. At the bottom of the editing page, click the “Delete” button. You’ll be asked to confirm before deleting. If team members have already joined, the team members must first login to their fundraising pages and remove themselves from the team (see “I am the captain of a fundraising team. How do I add or remove participants?” above).
How do I edit my team name and other team information?
If you are a Team Captain, please see “I am a Team Captain. How do I edit our team name, create a team description, add a team photo, or adjust our team fundraising goal?” If you are a team member, please contact your Team Captain to have them update your entire team’s name or other information. Or, you can remove yourself from the team then create a new team.
More detailed information here: https://www.pledgereg.com/FAQ.aspx