Probably not news to most of the Seattle racing community, but something the rest of us ought to be aware of:
Rather than pursue traditional sponsorships Thumbprint Racing, in partnership with local businesses, is working to bring awareness to charities including International Justice Mission and Seattle’s own FareStart. Thumbprint’s business sponsors include Accurate Decisions, Rally Capital LLC, North Coast Electric, Columbia Athletic Clubs, Montaland McGrath Chiropractic Center, John Duggan Cycling Attorney, uBRDO.com, Cycle University, Speedplay, with caffeine supplied by Caffé Ladro.
Thumbprint Racing lining up to head out on a group ride.
Official Press Release:
Seattle, WA – Thumbprint Racing is a new Pacific Northwest competitive cycling team riding in the name of charity. Founding members are not pursuing big name corporate sponsors, rather non-profit organizations. This idea, to use the title sponsorship to bring awareness to a charity, is a defining concept for the team and supported by local businesses. The team of over 50 race-focused and community conscious cyclist currently ride for International Justice Mission www.ijm.org and FareStart www.farestart.org.
The International Justice Mission is a non-profit organization that strives to bring justice to the victims of human trafficking and slavery around the world. As Thumbprint’s title sponsor IJM is embracing the opportunity to reach people whom they believe would never hear of their organization. “Our organization relies on grassroots support. The team’s presence at Northwest races and our own events will bring unique visibility to the fact that there are 27 million people held in slavery today…and we all can do something about it. They happen to do it in lycra.” Brian Cress, Director of Development, International Justice Mission.
Thumbprint Racing is attracting a wide range of members.
FareStart transforms lives by empowering homeless and disadvantaged men, women, and families to achieve self-sufficiency through life skills, job training, and employment in the food service industry. A team sponsorship is a tremendous value to FareStart. “We were honored to be chosen. Direct donations are critical to FareStart’s continued growth, but raising awareness for FareStart is very important. The racing team has been a great fit for us because the racers have become part of the FareStart Community.” Karla Smith-Jones, FareStart Marketing Communications Manager.
Members of Thumbprint Racing compete in all categories and disciplines of bicycle racing, including but not limited to road, track, cyclocross, and mountain biking. Core racers include men and women category 2-4’s and a strong complement of Masters racers. Riders are well known in the cycling community as being a supportive and aggressive group that races as a cohesive unit. All will be competing in the many Northwest road and stage races. Its accomplished track racers will compete in the Marymoor Velodrome Series, Masters Track Nationals, and Masters Pan-Am Championships.
