I have three big asks of you this week.

1. I’m asking you to read this post, all the way to the end.

2. I’m asking you share this message. Since it’s difficult to volunteer physically, I’m asking you to volunteer virtually by spreading this message far and wide. A similar post can be found on facebook if that is your preferred method.

3. I'm asking you to give what you can.

April 23rd kicked off 14 important days (April 23 - May 7) for nonprofits across the state of Idaho. It's Idaho Gives, Idaho’s iconic day/s of giving for nonprofits! And like everything else... it's different this year.

Here's the reality... We're struggling. The nonprofit sector, like so many other aspects of our community has been turned upside down. Still, day after day we (nonprofits across the state) are showing up and giving everything we've got to provide the essential services to those who need them the absolute most.

We (BBP) were one of the first organizations to close our doors to the public in an effort to focus on serving our most vulnerable community members. And it worked. Those programs are rolling strong, but that decision also meant being one of the first organizations to shut down our main source of income (used bike and part sales to the general public).

I want to make this clear, BBP is in no worse condition than any other nonprofit. In fact, our quick pivot in services, our dedicated staff, and our strong Board has given us a great shot at a bright future. What's at stake, is the stability of our programs.

And that's why for the next 14 days, we will be raising funds for our many New American and Refugee programs and partnerships with Fort Hall and Duck Valley Reservations. Every single dollar donated will be matched by the Whitney Foundation up to $20,000!

This is an opportunity we've never had before. If individuals raise $12,000, our programs with our displaced communities will not skip a beat. If we raise OVER $12,000 we could actually expand these programs, providing health, connection, and opportunity to 1000s during an uncertain time.

Now this is also a challenging time to give. So my ask is to give what you can, and know it's enough. Maybe that's $10, maybe that's $100, maybe that's $0 with a meaningful effort to spread the message... it's enough.

As BBP's Founder, Executive Director, and highest paid employee, I'll be giving back my paycheck for the rest of the month. With the match in place and my fortunate circumstance of employment at BBP, this is an investment I feel lucky to contribute. Every single one of our Board members is also contributing to the effort.

So for the next 14 days, give what you can to BBP and the nonprofits you care and are concerned about most. I promise you it will make a difference.

-Jimmy Hallyburton

Homework:

Oh don’t think you’re getting away with out homework assignments for the week!

1. Become a BBP Virtual Volunteer

From April 23 - May 7th during Idaho Gives, we need all hands on virtual deck blasting out message out there. When ever BBP posts something on Facebook or Instagram, your job is to like, comment, and share if you’re willing. Every time you comment on our posts, they bounce back up to the top of the facebook feed. So a simple “I love BBP” might help our message get 100 more views and 100 more donations.

2. Donate During Idaho Gives

We have never had a matching $20,000 donor in our 13 year history. So please, give what you can. $1, $5, $10, $100 means the world to us a goes a long way. You can also add an extra note when you donate that will appear in the side bar. We love seeing your name and the little messages that people choose to leave. Click below to give.

3. Bike-a-Bout Boise (Wed 4/29): A Weekly Virtual LUNCH Ride WITH JIMMY

This week we’ll do a Boise Bike Organization Check In. (Guests from the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance, SWIMBA, Land Trust of Treasure Valley, Boise Green Bike and TVCA).

BEFORE THE RIDE:

1. Choose make sure you favorite bike has full tires and is ready to ride, and add one piece of “flair.” Could be a bell, some streamers, something that makes your bike a little extra fun. I’m going to ask you about it.

2. Choose a destination you can get to with good cell service by 12:13pm. Call in time is 12:15pm. Bonus points this week for secret/small neighborhood parks. Calling in from home is fine too.

3. Pack a lunch, maybe a blanket, some extra layers, something warm to drink... Look at the weather and dress accordingly.

DURING THE RIDE

• 12:00pm: Start riding, you can leave earlier depending on destination goal.

• 12:10pm: Find nice piece of ground to relax on

• 12:15pm: Zoom into https://zoom.us/j/163239922 Meeting ID: 163 239 922. It may be best to download the zoom app if you’ll be riding around like me

• 12:15pm: Intro and flair/destination show and tell

• 12:25pm: Bicycle Organization Updates/Evolution

• 12:35pm: Community Q&A

• 12:50pm: Zoom out, ride home

• *Extra bonus points if you snap a pick before you leave and send it to jimmy@boisebicycleproject.org. My goal is to have 8 pictures next week and 3 of them can’t be my own.