2024 Veterans Flag Run
Group Contest is LIVE! ALL car clubs, offroad clubs, bike groups, whatever it may be are eligible to enter. Join to compete for prizes and your own show area HERE
Contest ends Sunday Oct 20th @6pm MST
11th Annual Desert Fanatics Veterans Flag Run
"What is the Veterans Flag Run?"
It's a convoy of vehicles with American flags to show support for our Veterans. Anyone is allowed to join as long as it's a street legal vehicle. We do have a few rules:
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-This is NOT a political rally, and NO political signs or flags are to be displayed.
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-USA, STATE, DOD, BRANCH/UNIT, POW/MIA, GADSDEN flags are the ONLY allowed flags. No political flags, funny flags, sports team flags, etc.
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-This event has been and always will be centered around supporting our Veterans without making it political, and we welcome all to join us regardless off political leaning.
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-We ask that you please don't tailgate grill during the event. We provide food vendors and a portion of their proceeds also benefit the charity.
But that's not all the event is! We get lots of awesome raffle items from our sponsors ranging from offroad parts to pellet smokers, there's something for everyone. We also have vendors come out, food, and various entertainment throughout the day which will be announced soon.
"What is the route?"
The route has not yet been decided, but following with last year's change we plan to keep it off the highway. We received a lot of feedback about the route and escort and hope improve upon it.
"Who does the money go to?"
In the past the Flag Run has had a different charity benefit from the proceeds every year since it's inception. Starting in 2023 we introduced our very own Drop Zone Foundation as the permanent beneficiary. This allowed us to grow the event and do more directly to help Veterans. Please keep in mind that the charity is still relatively new and we're still working on getting content created for the website and getting our feet we with our first campaigns to help Veterans.
http://dropzonefoundation.com
https://www.facebook.com/dropzonefoundation/
"When and Where is it?"
Saturday November 16th, 2024 @
Desert Diamond Arena (Blue Lot) Google Maps Link
"What is the schedule?"
To be announced...
"How does the raffle work?"
When you come back from the run, we'll have all the raffle items out on display for you. Raffle tickets will be purchased at the charity's booth for $5 and you will be able to enter for the item you want to win. There's no limit on the amount of items you can win, though you MUST be present to win!
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Email kyle@desertfanatics.com for Sponsorship or other inquiries
History
In 2014 we wanted to put on a show of appreciation for our Veterans by organizing a convoy of vehicles displaying the US Flag. Well the event gained so much attention we had to find a location able to accommodate, and decided to take donations. We raised $1000 for the Arizona Veterans' Donation Fund with ~100 vehicles participating and a few small raffle items.
The participation and support has grown further than we ever expected and now we're averaging ~$20k in donations for a different charity every year since 2018, even through the pandemic. The inclusion of a "group contest" in 2018 has been a huge part of that. We ask local car/truck/bike/whatever groups and clubs to donate as a team a few weeks leading up to the event. The winning groups have received prizes, their own designated parking, and lead in the convoy. The event includes ever changing entertainment such as bands, speakers, games, vendors, and awesome local foods. No matter how big or small the support, we want to grow this beyond our imaginations and to give back and thanks to our Veteran community. Now as of 2023 we have our own 501(c)(3) registered non-profit, Drop Zone Foundation. With growth comes many obstacles, and we felt this was the next logical step in overcoming those obstacles and allow us to grow not only the Veterans Flag Run, but our ability to help others altogether. More events, more fundraisers, more outreach.
Previous recipients:
2014 - Arizona Veterans' Donation Fund
2015 - Veterans 4 Veterans
2016 - Race for the Wounded
2017 - Service Dog Fund
2018 - Race to Erase 22
2019 - Vetdrenaline
2020 - Heroes Rising Outdoors
2021 - Soldier's Best Friend
2022 - Operation Enduring Gratitude