2026 02 Boondocks Chapter Call In

• Call-in episode from the NK Boondocks Chapter (FL): two hosts from the Merrimack Valley Studios (Maker, Sig) join Iron Mike to discuss winter weather and motorcycle chapter fundraising/event practices, the Ribeye Roundup, sponsorship strategy, community partnerships, and Iron Mike's walking-stick hobby.

Main points

• Weather contrasts: Northeast hit by one of the worst winters in 10 years; Sig had only ~4" of snow and warm yard-work temps; Florida saw morning frost but quick warming and an ongoing severe drought affecting wells and farming.
• Iguana bounty/food note: Florida pays ~$20 per iguana; cold snaps produced mass kills that bounty hunters collected; Keys restaurants are using iguana meat (e.g., tacos) as a tourist novelty.
• Ribeye Roundup changes: Annual chapter fundraiser renamed/adjusted after 15% ribeye price rise — switched to beef filets (cheaper, better received). Event format: sit-down steak meals, first Saturday in Feb, usual turnout 100+ but down ~40 this year due to scheduling conflicts; still profitable.
• Elks Lodge partnership: Lodge buys/cooks/serves/cleans; chapter pays hall rental + insurance only — avoids upfront food risk and uses leftovers effectively.
• Sponsorship strategy: Systematic local-business rotation to avoid "gift fatigue"; prompt thank-you letters within 3 days and framed certificates for display to increase sponsor visibility and goodwill; public social-media thanks used.
• Inter-group relations: Build reciprocity by attending others' events first; give recognition awards to visiting groups to encourage repeat attendance; donated flagpoles to support partner events.
• Personal craft hobby: Iron Mike makes custom walking sticks for Vietnam vets in his chapter (personalized details like miniature hammers); hobby is non-commercial and craft-focused.

Key takeaways / Actions

• Effective fundraisers: control costs (menu flexibility), partner with venues that assume food risk, and schedule to minimize conflicts with other chapters.
• Sponsorship best practices: rotate targets yearly, send rapid written thanks, provide visible recognition (framed certificates), and publicize sponsors.
• Community-building: reciprocity and tangible recognition grow attendance and cross-club support.
• Small personalized gestures (custom awards/handcrafted items) have outsized impact on loyalty.