A statement was made during the CSCC Membership Meeting that IF the Club changes the name to and IF the Club does not have Doernbechers as its Charity of choice then participation in the event by ICSCC drivers would be markedly reduced ("they wouldn't come").
I'd love to hear some views on this.
Although I never based my race attendance on what the event sponsor was, any time that I was entered for the Doernbecher weekend I always made sure to sign up for, and give a ride to one of the children that came out to the event. Knowing that I was able to give a youngster an experience that would not soon be forgotten touched me deeply, given the circumstance that those children were facing.
If I was still competing regularly and the Doernbecher event no longer existed as it once did would have no impact on my decision to attend that particular stop on the championship calendar.
But I would (and do) miss the opportunity to add a bright spot in the otherwise grim period of a child.
+1 on what Steve said. Charity sponsorship is a great idea, but doubt it has little bearing on attendance...maybe media coverage if done right.
IRDC had the local Seattle media promote and cover an event once upon a time, the late 1970's or early 1980's, I can't remember now, as my addled old brain is failing me.
It was a disaster for the club.
As a result of the extra race even promotion and media coverage, there was a dramatic increase in the usual amount of non-Conference attendees, much more than anticipated. So much so that the usual volunteer workers had a very difficult time dealing with them. Crowd control was grossly inadequate. There were many situations involving those who need strict supervision (spectators) and didn't have it pacing themselves and the racers at risk for injury.
The minimal increase in spectator ticket sales failed to cover the increased risk and as far as I know the subject never came up again.