RR: All yours look so lovely in your photos, Banderas has taken a bad turn towards Redneck with this last bit. I’m just hoping it grows back without too many problems. I guess, at least I’m not showing him this summer!

On a separate topic, in response to some other negative comments, I would like to provide some business entity background for those who may be unaware of the legal structures involved.

Onegirloneride is currently registered with the State of Minnesota as a Non-Profit Corporation. A non-profit corporation is bound by law and its articles of incorporation to conform to certain requirements, most significantly for this discussion: “A nonprofit corporation is a corporation formed for a purpose not involving monetary gain and paying no dividends to its members. ” Corporations, whether NP or for profit, must be registered in the state(s) in which they conduct business activities. You can view onegirloneride’s enrollment, or any MN business’s enrollment at the MN Secretary of State’s website. Businesses are incorporated at a state level.

501 (c) 3 status or lack there of it is an issue entirely separate from being registered and governed as a non-profit corporation within the State of Minnesota. It has to do mostly with the corporation’s federal tax obligations and provides additional requirements over relationships between members and disbursed parties. It also governs whether your donations are tax deductible on your own income taxes. Becoming 501 (c) 3 recognized will eliminate the federal tax burden the non-profit onegirloneride would owe on income generated (donations received).

Would it be a good business decision for them to file for approval to 501 (c) 3 status? Definitely. Not only will donations increase, as people like the personal tax deduction and like the additional oversight over what is done with donations, but it will also have a significantly positive effect on the NP Corp’s federal tax burden and state property tax burden. I’d imagine that’s why they have posted on the website that it’s in the works.

I also have a quick question, and I’m hoping people more familiar with the story may be able to answer it. I haven’t been able to get any information on what they will do with the money raised if they don’t reach the $16 million threshold. I’ve emailed them but haven’t heard back yet, and I would imagine they don’t have the most consistent Internet access. Has anyone else come across that information? Thanks in advance!