Kurt Brewer had a good suggestion. Rather than expose ourselves to liability from a raffle, and rather then burden members with ticket sales, perhaps simply selling at the end to the highest bidder/offer. We would not have the same time constraints as we had when we were raffling, and we could still haul it around to shows or whatever. We could put pictures on craigslist and Kiji with reference to the club and gain some promotional exposure. Best of all, we could pocket any profits (or elect to give to charity).
I also have some ideas on legalities (not surprising), but I can describe those in greater detail at our meeting. I think I could easily deflect club liability by creating a trust document, where one person actually owns the bike in trust for the club. On a sale, it would simply be a private sale from that individual to the buyer. I would of course also create a waiver of liability/no warranty document that any purchaser would have to sign. This would allow us to sell a vehicle which was in any state. We could even sell it unfinished, if the project becomes a dog's breakfast or our enthusiam wanes.
There is also no reason why this project would have to involve everyone. One of my ideas for our club is that membership should be easy, fun, and not carry burdens (other than the $25 membership fee). Members should feel free to participate as much as their time and enthusiam permit. That is not the same for all of us. Some can make the weekly movies, rides and other meetings/events, and some cannot. Some are keen to do a bunch of things, and other just enjoy hanging out from time to time. I would not want to get a project going that would stress people out.
I for one would love to do another group project. To that end, I would volunteer a portion of the build to occur in my shop; specifically any tubing bending, welding and frame modifications.
Some parts would be donated, but others would have to be purchased. We would need a structure for re-imbursement.
These are my opening ideas for discussion.
Peace & Grease, Dennis.