How We Got Started?
The number one question we get asked is, “Why scooters?” The second is, “How did a scooter club become a 501(c)(3) charity?” The story behind the Greater Phoenix Scooter Club (GPSC) is heartfelt and inspiring, beginning with our founder, Jason.
Nearly ten years ago, Jason attended a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) training at RI International. During this class, he heard the harrowing stories of aged-out foster children who had endured traumatic experiences and inadequate education and care. These young adults, despite their pasts, were striving to become certified peer support specialists to help others navigate the mental health and support systems. Jason was deeply moved and troubled by the contrast between Arizona’s wealth—one of the wealthiest areas on Earth—and the reality that over 12,000 foster children remained in need of permanent homes.
This stark reality stuck with Jason. He couldn’t reconcile how a state known for its wealth and pro-life values could still leave so many children without the support and homes they needed. The idea of making a difference festered within him for years until he realized that his passion for scooters and the community he found in the Greater Phoenix Scooter Club could be the catalyst for change. On the day Jason could finally afford his dream Vespa, he met Angie and Terry, a couple who shared his enthusiasm for scooters. Inspired by their camaraderie, Jason decided to form a club. After their first ride, Jason discovered a community of more than 30 like-minded individuals who were not only passionate about scooters but also eager to make a positive impact.
This shared vision led to the formation of the Greater Phoenix Scooter Club as a 501(c)(3) charity. Since then, we have been able to channel our collective energy and resources into making one of the largest sustained regular donations to support foster children. Our club rides are not just about the joy of riding; they are about gathering good people who share a common goal—to make a real change in the lives of these kids.
Although GPSC is not yet a Qualified Foster Care Organization (QFCO) and the Arizona tax credit does not apply to us, we are deeply committed to our mission. We encourage you to support our partner organization, The Foster Alliance, a QFCO, where your recurring donations can have a profound impact. Together, we can bring hope and support to foster children, one ride and one donation at a time.
Thank you for considering joining us in this journey. With your help, we can continue to ride for a good cause and make a lasting difference in our community.
How to Join Our Club?
To join, participate in at least two rides, pledge our mission statement, follow our rules, attend a board meeting, participate in fundraisers or necessary items drives, wear the patch or pink tag, and pay the annual $40 dues.
“We Aim to Network and Ride with Good People for a Good Cause.”
The annual dues are $40, which cover club operations and promotional items such as patches, keychain tags, stickers, shirts, back patches, and website hosting costs.
New members must attend at least two rides, pledge our mission statement, follow the rules, attend a meeting with the board, participate in fundraisers or necessary items drives, and pay the annual dues.
Members must promote the club, avoid rumors and unnecessary drama, refrain from hateful ideology or language, respect other members and other clubs, attend organized rides, support our online presence, volunteer when possible, follow the rules of the road, and spread goodwill.
No, veterans ride free as a token of our appreciation for their service.
You can support the club by promoting it, participating in fundraisers, volunteering when possible, and engaging with our online presence.
Members enjoy a sense of community, participate in organized rides, support charitable causes, and receive club merchandise like patches, stickers and keychain tags.
While owning a scooter is ideal for participating in rides, you can still support the club through other activities and events.
New members receive the patch or pink tag upon completing the joining requirements and paying the annual dues.
Scooterist FAQs
Always wear a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, and protective clothing, and consider bright colors and reflective materials for better visibility.
Regularly check your scooter for signs of wear and tear, ensure tires are properly inflated, brakes are functioning well, and lights are operational.
Use your headlights, wear bright clothing, and avoid riding in blind spots to make yourself more visible.
Obey all traffic laws, signals, and speed limits, and use hand signals or indicators to communicate your intentions.
Be aware of potholes, gravel, wet spots, and other road hazards that could cause your scooter to skid.
Assume that other drivers may not see you, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and be prepared to react to sudden movements or stops.
You can find courses through organizations like Team Arizona Scooter Training and the Arizona Scooter Safety and Awareness Foundation.
Resources include safety courses, law firms specializing in scooter accidents like Law Tigers, and rider organizations such as the American Motorcyclist Association.
Check local laws, as regulations on riding scooters in bike lanes can vary by area.
Ensure your safety first, call emergency services if needed, and contact a law firm specializing in scooter accidents, such as Law Tigers.
501c3 and Donation Questions
90% of all financial donations go towards purchasing items needed for drives, and 10% supports club operations.
Needed items include books, toys, clothing, bedding, hygiene items, and donations for transportation and scholarship opportunities for foster children.
Financial donations can be made through our website or during fundraising events.
A 501c3 organization is a non-profit entity that is tax-exempt under IRS rules, meaning donations to it can be tax-deductible.
You can participate in events like the ‘Across the Valley Rally,’ ‘Holiday Toy and Book Drive,’ and ‘Back to School Supply Drive,’ or volunteer your time and resources.
Yes, you can specify whether your donation is for specific items or general support of the club’s operations and mission.
We provide updates on our website and through newsletters about the impact of donations and how they are used to support foster children.
Yes, as a 501c3 organization, donations to the Greater Phoenix Scooter Club are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
We maintain transparency by regularly updating members and donors on our financial status, impact reports, and the allocation of funds.
Yes, a single person can donate up to $526 dollars for tax deductions. Anything else after that is purely altruistic and is championed by our club.
Foster System FAQs
The Arizona foster system is struggling, with over 12,000 children in need of permanent homes.
The biggest challenges include a lack of permanent homes, insufficient resources, and inadequate support for aging-out youth.
You can help by donating to charities, volunteering your time, and advocating for policy changes to improve the system.
Items most needed include books, toys, clothing, bedding, and donations for transportation and scholarship opportunities.
The ‘Across the Valley Rally’ is an organized ride to raise awareness and support for the foster system.
This is an event where we collect toys and books to donate to foster children during the holiday season.
This drive collects school supplies to help foster children prepare for the new school year.
90% of all financial donations go towards purchasing items needed for necessary items drives, with 10% supporting club operations.
You can donate through our club, participate in our fundraisers, or directly support charities dedicated to helping foster children.
We provide scholarships for online certification courses and other resources to help foster children transition to independent living.
Get In On This
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On Going Fundraisers See All
Donating new toys to foster children can bring immediate happiness and comfort. Toys can also serve as tools for therapy, helping children process their emotions and experiences through play. By donating toys, you are giving foster children a chance to simply be kids, to laugh and play, and to find solace in moments of joy and imagination.
Clean and adequate bedding helps prevent the spread of illnesses and creates a more inviting and nurturing atmosphere. By donating bedding, you are not just giving a physical item but also offering comfort, stability, and a sense of normalcy to foster children who need it most.
Your donation ensures that these children can build their own small libraries, creating a sense of ownership and pride. Books also serve as a therapeutic tool, allowing children to see themselves in stories, understand their experiences, and feel less alone.