Fundraising Event

[One Happy Dragon]

I understand that it is not permissible to use Geocaching as a venue for political, solicitations etc.
I would like someone with expertise in interpreting the restrictions to tell me if it would be against the Geocaching Association Bylaws for the following event to be sponsored:
A Series of Caches along the Bike paths in Boulder Junction WI- and the surrounding area of Snow Mobile trails- through each season with maps available for a donation- and event registration- as a fundraising event for the Boulder Junction Fire Dept.
The presence of the vounteer Fire Dept in Boulder preserves the forest from the devastation of habitat that results from forest fires. The spring winds often topple trees onto power lines and that is the busy time for our volunteers. We always loose 5- 15 acres when this happens. We may have several days in a row where a tree hits a power line. We have had a longstanding drought in this area and have some vulnerability now. Hiring fire fighters to be present during the Spring season might be a consideration. A temporary group like that for just a few weeks- but we would need financing. We always need financing. The Boulder Junction Fire Dept has the Annual Chicken Dinner BarbeQue in the summer. However, it is always good to be on the cutting edge of social and sporting events to encourage new-comers to support our Fire Dept.
I have not brought this question up to the Fired Dept Volunteers yet. I see already that the rules and regulations governing geocaching may not permit this type of geocaching activity. So why bring it up without the facts. If this could be done, I would be the volunteer who would get it done. I am looking for a project because I have the time and I have an interest in Geocaching.
Summarizing my concern; Would Geocaching be permitted for this type of event? if not is there an advisory board that grants ” special Permits” where one could apply for a variance? Who-

Thank You-

[Team Deejay]

Hi there!

You are on the right track, asking for permission first. Here are the requirements.

First, if you just want to place caches, this is not considered an “event” in geocaching terms. It is just a bunch of caches. This is not a problem, just a matter of definition. If you want to have a barbecue or other gathering to “launch” your new caches, THAT would be an event. The key is that an event has to be a “gathering of geocachers”.

Second, if you want to have caches/events to promote some specific charity, such as the volunteer fire department, you just need to get permission from geocaching.com. You can reach them at [email protected]. Be sure to discuss the merits of your plans and how it benefits the community and puts geocaching in a positive light in your area. Also be sure to explain what you are doing to solicit donations/fees so that they can judge whether they will allow it to be promoted on their site. I am assuming that you want to mention on the cache pages where your map can be purchased, that the proceeds go to the FD, all the good they do for the community, etc. Just tell them all that. If you want, you can build a sample cache page on the site to show them what you have in mind. Just be sure to uncheck the box saying that your cache is in place and ready for review.

Assuming they give you permission (I believe they will authorize this), then just submit your caches using the normal process, and include a note copying the email from Groundspeak, so that we know you have organized the permission. Becky or I will review your caches for the other guidelines, and, assuming everything is ok, publish them right away. If you need time to print up maps, brochures, etc., be sure to tell us so that we don’t publish the caches before you are ready.

As an aside, I’m not sure the map idea will work as a very good fundraiser, as people will not really need your map to find the caches. Instead, you might think of having a series of caches with a mystery final located at your fire station. You could put up a poster near the final soliciting donations for the FD, maybe with an ammo can or a boot to collect the donations. Alternatively, you might try linking up with your local chamber of commerce. They did a geocache promotion last summer, and might be willing to pay your group to organize the promotion for them this year.

[Johnny Cache]

According to this log from Sparse Grey Hackle, http://www.geocaching.com/seek/log.aspx?LUID=0bb9953a-eb7e-4265-b19d-a07111af1823, there’s going to be a 2nd Northwoods Challenge starting on March 1st.

I’ve been to the Chicken BBQ the last 5 years and always leave stuffed. The chickens are the size of turkeys.

[Author]

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