WMF, Inc. is an all volunteer organization.  No money is paid out to staff in the way of salary or benefits.  WMF, Inc. office space, telephone, fax, internet service, computers, printers, fax machines and an endless list of other items that normally become the cost of doing business have all been donated.  Even the use of the truck and trailer, affectionately known as Dorothy and Toto has been donated.  Still there is a high cost to hosting a national event.  Below gives you an idea of costs involved in Pony Express Ride 2007.

Lake Francis Facility Rental                   $7000.00

Liability Insurance - $3,000,000 coverage X 10 days ( pre-rides & staff development)                        $7500.00

Event Truck/Trailer: Fuel/Oil (6000 mi.) Staff Fuel: Route Lay-out + Event (4000 Mi)                         $2700.00 Printing/Mailings/Website                  $6000.00  

INDIVIDUAL PER RIDER COSTS COVER:
Opening/Closing Banquet Celebrations, 5 Dinners/rider, 5 breakfasts/rider,
ID Bracelets, medallions, t-shirts, pins, stickers, program books_______________________________                            

WMF, Inc. has built the Pony Express 2007 budget based on the belief that we can enlist at least 100 Peaceful Warriors willing to commit their efforts toward eradicating breast cancer and helping our hosts by providing some funding for their foster care programs.  Based on participation on its ’96, ’98, ’00 and ’03 rides, this estimate is low and the resort can accommodate up to 400 riders. However, with the economy still soft and the pool of potential corporate sponsors being smaller, WMF, Inc. must take a conservative approach towards its budget.

Based on 100 Participants:
the per person cost of hosting the mission is:  Individual Cost              $    393.50

With the total for hosting the mission would be: Total Cost                      $39,350.00

Based on participation 200 Participants:
the per person cost of hosting the mission is:  Individual Cost             $      265.00

With the total for hosting the mission would be: Total Cost                      $ 53,000.00

As you can see, as the participation goes up, the cost per person participating goes down.  WMF, Inc. does not want to exclude anyone’s participation due to financial concerns.  We are setting registration, which includes lodging, RV or Tent space, two meals per day, a medallion, T-shirt, pin, sticker, and program book at $270.00. If at least 200 riders step up to the plate, we can adhere to the 100% of riders’ pledges going to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Environmental Alternatives.  IF sponsors come forward to make up the budgetary difference, we will also be able to contribute 100%  of the rider’s donations to Komen & Environmental Alternatives.  That said, take comfort in that the budget is also built to ensure that no more than 20% of the overall funds raised will go toward the operating expenses of the Ride.  Ideally, we would end the 2007 Ride with seed money to use towards the 2008 Ride.