Sometimes nonprofit organizations find new twists in fundraising, and for Andy Welfle and Alex Brown a grudge match bike race could have a payoff for the nonprofit of the winner's choice.
To put it simply: “Two guys. Three months. Four wheels,” reads their blog.
Welfle worked for Fort Wayne Trails, and Brown is currently at the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, although Brown is pledging what money he may bring in to the Paul Clark Nonprofit Resource Center at the Allen County Public Library.
It all began when Welfle found out Brown couldn't ride a bike. Brown grew up in rural Indiana near Bluffton, and his family drove everywhere. Welfle began to tease Brown about his nonexistent cycling skills, and eventually Brown had enough and challenged Welfle to a bike race.
The pair is asking for votes until the end of June. Each $5 donation counts as a vote for Brown or Welfle and their nonprofits of choice. As of June 13, Welfle had 29 votes and Brown 2. Brown admits one was from his mother.
At the end of June the voting will be over and the winner will get to pick the location and manner the race will be conducted in.
“It could be a 40-mile course around the city, or it could be a couple of laps around a track,” Welfle said.
Brown has since learned how to ride a bike, and even purchased a one-speed from Wal-Mart.
“It weighs about 500 pounds,” Brown said with a laugh.
Brown is quick to add the next part of his training program will be learning how to change a flat tire because he currently only has one working tire.
“I haven't ridden in the street yet, only on the Greenway, or the sidewalk,” Brown said.
Brown said he is sure he will not win the race, and at the moment is thinking he might lose the voting as well.
The two have started a blog, andyvsalex.com, for people interested in following the voting.
“I'm sure we will come through this with our friendship intact,” Welfle said.
Brown … no comment.
