The Spirit of Freedom Foundation
The Spirit of Freedom Motor Coach ... The "Spirit of 76"
 Picture the above coach in brilliant white with Archibald Willard's "Spirit of 76" name and exciting patriotic graphics. We like the picture to the left on the front.
Our web site name is 4freedoms.org and TheSpiritof76.org.
New patriotic graphics will replace MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES (Stock picture) on the sides with TheSpiritof76.org on the sides to advertise this website.
The motor coach will have our name and web site address as well as sponsors names on the rear panel.
The first "Spirit of Freedom" motor coach toured the Eastern United States for six months promoting FIVE STAR CITIZENSHIP. This served as our market research and proved to us that goverment is 'out of touch' with its citizens. We found a hunger by Americans wanting to understand their government and they felt helpless about how to deal with it. Essentially, Americans want to be heard and they have the sense that their voices are not heard and worse, not cared about.
Why a Motor Coach?
Success in this day and age means advertising. According to studies, a traveling motorcoach will provide some 750,000 advertising 'impressions' per month. Its visibility at schools and libraries as well as events throughout the country serve the cause well ... and a motor coach is extremely inexpensive relative to the alternatives! One 2.4 million dollar, thirty second Super Bowl commercial would not only pay for the motorcoach but its operating budget for three years.
Traveling America's highways exposes the motor coach to over ten million people each year as it visits schools, libraries, county fairs, and the corporate hospitality areas at athletic events such as NASCAR, college and professional football games, baseball games and so on. Our first event was at the 2002 Outback Bowl in Tampa FL where nearly 100,000 people had a chance to see the coach as it was prominently parked next to the Ohio State and South Carolina Bands as well as many others at Raymond James Stadium.
As the coach becomes more widely know it will gain free exposure in the local, regional and national media. Additional 'impressions' will be made to millions more ... world-wide.
We believe there will be enduring value with a patriotic theme motor coach. This motor coach can become a cultural icon and endure for generations ... much like the famed Goodyear Blimp.
This is our first motor coach that toured the eastern part of the United States. The initial tour was funded solely by the Founder. Our initial coach was 'retired' off lease after a successful six month 'maiden voyage' through fourteen states and the District of Columbia.
Our initial tour provided an opportunity to speak about voting and government with many people along the way. They convinced us that our cause is worthy of the support of every person and organization. Why? Because Americans need to know about their historic roots and values and get involved in the process of citizenship. Our goal is to attract as many Americans as possible to participate in the operation of their country, i.e., voting, contacting officials and the various centers of influence who shape public opinion. This coach stayed over many times in the parking lots at Sam's Club, Wal-Mart and Cracker Barrel Restaurants. Thank you!
Fundraising
Rod Miller sponsored the initial tour. But we must now raise funds to create an endowment resource to enable a permanent tour. We call it our MOTOR COACH ENDOWMENT FUND. One hundred percent (100%) of all contributions go into this fund. UBS is the repository of all funds*.
Begging for money ala most non-profits is not our strong suit and we are trying to get over that. For now, we are working in our ART GALLERY, BOOK STORE and GIFT SHOP to pay for our administrative needs.
We are patterning ourselves in the manner of the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) fund raising.
An annual art show fundraiser auction is in the planning stages.
Actually two auctions: one on Memorial Day Weekend in the Cleveland, Ohio area and another in the winter in the south in Sarasota, Florida or in Norcross, Georgia.
Appearances
Traveling volunteers will distribute information about Five Star Citizenship.
Major events such as college football bowl games, NASCAR, INDY 500, Super Bowl, Baseball World Series games, The Kentucky Derby and so on.
Events
Most outdoor events provide parking and corporate hospitality areas for the many motor coaches on the road.
All types of events are possible such as parades, county fairs, schools and libraries and so on.
Calendar
Eventually the calendar will provide travel schedule information about events and appearances.
Our primary focus now is to develop this web site as a funding resource.
We will need up to a year to design the coach and get it out on the highway.
Sponsorship
The Foundation is seeking sponsor(s) to support the annual operating budget for the coach.
Advertising on this website as well as on the rear panel of the coach is available.
Great visit for children and adults
People everywhere are invited on 'the bus' to view a video, just visit and sometimes a ride.
Children are treated to an impressionable experience. It is never too early to plant the seeds of patriotism and good citizenship.
Back in 2003, a father brought his six year old son on the motorcoach for a visit. Recently, the father told me his son still talks about that day on the 'bus'.
American History Teacher of the Year Award
The purpose of this future award plan is to annually select a teacher of American History to receive the "American History Teacher of the Year Award" on the recommendation of his or her students.
The winner will be selected by a vote of the trustees and a contest sponsored on this web site.
In conjunction with operations of the 'Spirit of Freedom" motorcoach, the winner will be presented with the 'keys' and a personal driver for a summer work/travel vacation. The winner and a companion will tour America between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Along the way they will appear in Independence Day Parades, visit and attend county fairs and major sports events such as auto races, balloon races, baseball games and more.
Coach facilities include a galley, interior and exterior entertainment centers. It is expected that teacher and guest will attend events and receive further recognition for a 'job well done'. A tow vehicle will be available for local transportation as needed when the motor coach is parked at an event.
The motor coach is fully contained and has all the comforts of home -- a condo on wheels! A queen size bedroom and full bath facilities will be available for personal use by the honoree and guest. A Foundation selected driver will accompany the guests and use living facilities such as local inns or private accommodations. The driver will manage all matters related to maintenance and operation of the motor coach and tow vehicle while the honoree(s) serve as hosts.
A pre-planned itinerary will be published each year as it becomes available with an attempt to include the award-winning teacher in as many activities as possible.
At various times, The Foundation Staff, its trustees, members and guests and volunteers will participate as well as we take the message of civic responsibility to the people.
*UBS is the central repository for all Foundation funds. We use the online banking services of UBS Financial Services. Every income and expense item related to day-to-day operations is recorded and maintained in this one account.
About UBS
UBS is one of the world's leading financial firms.
UBS is a leading global financial services firm serving a diverse client base that includes affluent individuals, corporations, institutions and governments.
UBS is present in all major financial centers, with offices in more than 50 countries. UBS employs over 80,000 people, with 39% in the Americas, 35% in Switzerland, 16% in the rest of Europe and 10% in Asia Pacific.
Wealth Management services in the United States are provided by UBS Financial Services Inc., a registered broker/dealer offering securities, trading, brokerage and related products and services.
*Data as of August, 2007
The SPIRIT OF FREEDOM FOUNDATION is a private operating foundation dedicated to American and World History Education.
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