Hm.. well I don't know, does PCA qualify as a non-profit under the auspice of the WA state law? PCA certainly doesn't do anything that the government would normally have to provide, so I don't think they qualify as a tax-exempt non-profit.

When I was a member in the 2009-2011 timeframe, I asked PCA about that, because it always had the qualifier about WA residents not being allowed to participate. The response was something along the lines of them not being able to raffle off a new car in WA. Could be because its a raffle, could be because the prize is a car, could be because of the monetary value of the prize.

From this 2009 Entry PDF I found on the PCA site: http://www.pca.org/portals/forms/200...e-Panamera.pdf
Official Rule 16. This offer is void where prohibited by law. Members residing in the State of Washington may not participate in the raffle or win prizes





Anyone with the last raffle announcement care to chime in? Does it still disqualify residents of WA?

 

Very, very curious. From my current Fall 2013 PCA raffle promotional brochure:


"15. This offer is void where prohibited by law."


That's it. No mention about the State of Washington in any of the 19 rules. At least from the PCA's point of view. The state . . . ?


I still understand probability enough to recognize my entry constitutes a freewill contribution to the operating expenses of the national PCA. Maybe next year I'll buy 1/8 of a new tire instead.

 

Having run sweepstakes myself for some various marketing initiatives, there are rules in specific states around running lotteries (a raffle / sweepstakes is a lottery), and there are some pretty big legal ramifications if run and/or administered improperly.

My guess is that PCA doesn't want to deal with that liability or have the legal resources to draft a new Terms and Conditions + rules for every instance.

 

I was never much of a "joiner" until I joined PCA. I can say that I get much, MUCH more out of being in the club and socializing with other people who share a passion for a great marque. Our Ozark region does fun runs, social dinners, cars and coffee events, supports local charities, and the Porsche Palooza we help sponsor each year in Eureka Springs. You would have a hard time finding a nicer group of people from all backgrounds and economic statuses anywhere else. To each his own opinion, but being a member of PCA has, for me, doubled the pleasure I get from owning, driving, and ENJOYING my Porsche.

 

I was a member for three years. Decided not to renew last year. Just don't get much out of it or not enough. Never used the sticker. It's around the house somewhere!

 

Like others here, I've never been a joiner. Add to that the fact that I only moved here (SF Bay area) 15 months ago from Newport Beach (where there is a lot of weekend car activity all year round, regardless of marque), I have little or no social network.
I have been a member for 2 years now. I'm guessing the perceived value can vary from chapter to chapter.
In the Golden Gate chapter, I just don't see a lot of activity. I expected to get frequent emails on events, social gatherings, breakfast meets, Sunday drives, DE days, etc. ANYTHING that would get me out of the house, into the car and connect with other Porsche drivers.
In other words: I expected there to be much more socializing activity than there is. The magazine is good, but it's not better than Excellence and if your only benefit from membership is the magazine, then it's too expensive as well.
Like I said, YMMV but this has been my perception.

 

You have to remember these clubs all run on volunteers. Clubs are successful because people step up to the plate. It takes a lot of effort to put on a PCA event. To do a drive you need to have waivers and insurance to comply with PCA guidelines. Sometimes the insurance certificates are free or cheap and other cost a lot. (i.e. Track events). I have been a board member for a few years now. Like most of you I wanted more out of my club and I just went to a few board meeting to see what they talked about and made a few suggestions. They liked some of my ideas and informed me of some of the red tape on others. We have a good social side and a very good track side of our club. We have around 1400 primary members and only 100-150 might be active in events. I would love to double or triple those numbers. We just don't know how because you never give us any feedback. So go to a board meeting or email your board members and tell them what you want or what you are interested in. You want a drive, a dinner, a weekend get together, or charity event. Make a suggestion or offer to plan it. I can't think of a club that would say no. Good luck and I hope you step up!!

 

bingo

 

Fair comment. I guess we have become too used to being spoonfed and have content pushed to us from all directions, so when we get into a situation where we actually have to take the initiative to make something happen, we are a little lost

 

+ another 1! Exactly! THANK you!!