Anyone ever auction off seat time in your car?


MNJason

GT Owner
May 14, 2010
2,097
San Diego
My kids attend a small charter school and they rely upon fundraising for a good portion of what they need. They have their annual Gala Event and are looking for things to auction.

I was thinking something like a 30 min ride in the GT to the highest bidder.

Anyone done this? Did you create a plaque or something? I was thinking along the lines of "The high bidder wins a ride in this quarter million dollar 200+ mph supercar".

Thoughts?
 
'Sounds like a good idea to me - plaque and all. Why not?

(I'd omit the reference to the value of the car though...but, mebbe that's just me.)
 
Fantastic idea. Quality photos would be more satisfactory than a plaque IMO since that's what the winner will be showing his/her friends, Fbook, etc.
 
Just be careful, I'm sure that a "liability waiver", and other "releases" and legal opinions are required!!!!!
 
I used to do this in the jet until the FAA changed the rules. Worked really well. The charities have subsequently asked if I would offer a ride instead. I always have said no. In the jet - we can do aerobatics, go fast, get upside down, really have quite a thrill - all 100% legal. My thought on the car is that someone who pays for the ride would want to go fast.. Now - in no way am I saying that I've never been beyond the posted speed limit... but offering a type of ride like that - with the charity's name on the line - doesn't work for me. If the rider only got to go 55 - I think they would feel ripped off..

Jason - if the first part of this could be managed - I'd probably be willing to also offer a ride in conjunction with your ride

Bill
 
I've done it a few times. Rides were on the race track.
 
I agree with 33Bravo. The expectation of the rider is undoubtedly linked to utilizing some of the capabilities of the car and in doing so on public roads - it is almost always illegal. In the air or on a racetrack, it's a totally different story as long as you're staying within your own skills by a safe margin.
 
I think it's a great idea. Drive the winner like you drive yourself. For most, it's a thrill just to sit in the car. Do it.
 
Jason, I did it a couple years ago at a charity dyno event. It was for a girl with brain cancer. I got to take her for a ride and spend some time with her. She passed just a couple months ago. I can tell you it is something I will cherish forever. I don't know what they raised for it but I know several thousand came in and I just said whatever I will take anyone for a ride that sticks some money in the pot. I had several takers.

Us going out

[video=youtube;XR8w54RAvOc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR8w54RAvOc&feature=share&list=FLdsN-PB1Sud-CkYuWFK5zYA&index=13[/video]
 
I did it for my local big brother program to raise money . We let people sit it and get a picture for a donation . The donation had to be a note , no change.we also auctioned off a 1 hour ride. We had an overwhelming response.
I also have done a similar thing to raise money for the local school sports programs for the high school .
It's really cool to be able to share the passion and raise money for a good cause
 
Did quite a bit of this, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Charged everything from 100 to 300 dollars for a 5 to 30 minute cruise. No racing or speeding - simply just the chance for people to experience to be a passenger in the FGT. Every penny donated to JDRF and actually raised a good number for the good cause.

I did worry a bit over Insurance and liability. What I did was having people donate the amount agreed upon directly into the JDRF Collection site, and then I just had them along as any other passenger -maybe I am wrong - but I thought so at the time, that my car insurance would not be affected if anything would have happened.
 
I did for a charity event. $200 for a single warm lap around town. Worked out well. I established some rules pertaining to attire, jewelry, etc. Tried to register with Make A Wish, but too many "send money now" pop ups to deal with.
 
Jason,
Not one to shy away from doing the "right" thing because of legal issues, I would still try to protect yourself as best as possible from liability concerns.
Enjoy!
Best,
Mark