Last year we Hatrackers pooled our resources and donated ~$600 to First Book under the name "Hatrack Forum".
Is anyone interested in doing it again?
Should we donate to First Book again or pick a different charity this year?
Would you like me to collect the money through PayPal and make one big donation or should we just make individual donations dedicated to the Forum?
[ December 24, 2004, 11:09 PM: Message edited by: The Rabbit ]
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
This is an utterly cool idea. I wasn't here last year, but I would love to participate this year. And First Book seems to be the perfect place for us, since just about everybody here loves to read. Plus, we might be influencing future members. Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
I like the idea of it being one big donation.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Here is the link to last years thread.
Posted by Miro (Member # 1178) on :
I agree, First Book seems to be the best choice for Hatrack, all things considered.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I vote one big donation.
I also vote we at least explore the possibility of switching charities - if nothing else it'd be a good chance to learn about different charities and see which ones people consider worthwhile.
Although, of course nominations should be ones to non-political/non-controversial groups.
Do we need our hosts permission/blessing to do something like this in Hatrack's name?
Dagonee
[ November 15, 2004, 12:51 PM: Message edited by: Dagonee ]
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
I thought this was a cool charity, especially for us gamer types. It buys age appropriate toys and games for sick children in several children's hospitals, and the hospitals themselves. It was set up by the guys at Penny Arcade in response to one of those 'gamers are lazy evil people' articles.
Not that I'm advocating switching charities, but Dag wanted to hear about some others. Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
I really like the First Book idea.
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I really like First Book.
Posted by Brian J. Hill (Member # 5346) on :
I vote that we pool it as one big donation. Also, I vote for First Book. Also, we should probably see if we need our hosts' permission.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
I think First Book is a good choice as well. Sign me up!
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
I'd be in favor of a group donation to First Book again.
Rabbit, thanks for taking care of this! Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
Yes!!! We should do this again! It doesn't really matter to me if we choose a new charity or go with First Book - I'm open to either.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I would also be interested in doing this, and I think we should stick to a reading charity, as we all met through Hatrack.
Kwea
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I assume since we did the same thing last year and it was fine then, it should be fine now. Of course, there was the difficulty with Kama Con not being able to be called Hatrack Con, so I'm not positive. Someone could email Kristine and ask.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Last year the donation was by "the members of the Hatrack River Forum" (see the thank you card) -- seems like it should be ok to do it that way again, neh?
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Sounds like an excellent plan to me. I'll be happy whether we stick with First Book or try a different charity that we can all agree on.
Posted by newfoundlogic (Member # 3907) on :
My one thought is that while First Book sounds like a great charity, it seems rather trivial when things like genocide in Sudan are going on.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
So find a charity that helps victims of genocide in Sudan and suggest it for consideration.
Posted by newfoundlogic (Member # 3907) on :
I don't think it is trivial at all.
Posted by newfoundlogic (Member # 3907) on :
Don't get me wrong I think books are incredibly important for a variety of reasons, but people dieing in mass numbers is in my opinion something else entirely.
Edit to add: If everyone still wants to do First Books that's fine, I don't want to turn this into a nasty argument, I'm just giving everyone my two cents.
[ November 16, 2004, 02:04 PM: Message edited by: newfoundlogic ]
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
I remember last year someone had mentioned a charity where you would buy a kit - a goat for a family or rice to feed a family for a month or start-up costs for a small business.... I wish I could remember the name of the charity, but I thought it seemed pretty neat.
[ November 16, 2004, 02:10 PM: Message edited by: ludosti ]
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Last year we decided to donate to a literacy project because books are what has brought us together as a community. It seems to me that if we make a contribution as a group, it should be to something that the represents the largest possible number of members.
Literacy may not be the most urgent of the world's needs, but it is important and is something that ties us together at Hatrack.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I agree...but don't worry, I don't think anyone will be offended if someone disagrees with that.
we are making the donation as a group, so we should decide as a group where it will go.
That being said, I vote for Literacy First, for the very reasons Rabbit mentioned above...
Kwea
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
bump
Posted by WishfulWiggin (Member # 6823) on :
I am most certainly interested in this. It sounds like a cool idea.
I would have to go with the Literacy First. As was mentioned before, it represents us as a group. If we start looking into other charities, an argument can result in which people are debating which cause is the most important. And that wouldn't be fun.
And the one lump sum through paypal sounds like a really cool idea. Is there a charge for opening up a paypal account?
-liz
Posted by jexx (Member # 3450) on :
*bump*
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Rabbit, thanks for remembering this and volunteering to collect & disburse the money.
I like First Book -- it fit well with our group and isn't going to raise a bunch of controversy.
I'll donate to whatever the group decides is the "right thing" this year.
Posted by newfoundlogic (Member # 3907) on :
quote: If we start looking into other charities, an argument can result in which people are debating which cause is the most important.
I just always like to make sure my money is as well spent as possible so I just don't see any reason to settle on something less important just to avoid an arguement.
quote: I like First Book -- it fit well with our group and isn't going to raise a bunch of controversy.
What exactly is controversial about funding the Red Cross's efforts in Sudan? Its not funding the rebels, its not funding an invasion of Sudan, its not funding the UN.
Its fine with me if everyone decides that First Book is more important for whatever reason (and there are plenty of good ones), that's your opinion and I won't argue with it. I just hope people won't decide on it because they want to avoid discussion on which charity could most use our money.
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
All charities could use are money, that's not the issue. The issue is which charity fits us best as a group. We can't donate to all the worthy charities out there.
Posted by Lost Ashes (Member # 6745) on :
In light of the passing of Ms. Hassan as well as the organization's humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
I think we should do it again.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Its sounds like we have enough people interested to do this again. So far the nominees for our charity are:
First Book CARE ICRC Sudan Mercy Kits Heifer International Child's Play
Let's continue to accept nominees until Tuesday and then we can vote to pick our Charity.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
bump
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
First book also has the benefit of addicti... um enticing future generations of hatrackers.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I agree that First Book is an appropriate cause, but don't we all like to eat here, too? I think Heifer International is equally appropriate.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I give a bit of money to several charities every year, btu none to reading programs, so I still think that Reading First would be my first choice. I understand that there are plenty of good chrrities out there, and plenty of needy families, but I think that we have to help people to read, because one of the best way to combat poverty in a long term manner is to increase their education levels....and without reading skills that is impossible.
Plus, it is what we did last year, so I am all for making this a Hatrack tradition....
Kwea
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
My vote would be for First Book or Heifer International, because both are of the "teach a man to fish" variety.
Posted by Stan the man (Member # 6249) on :
I like the idea of First Book, and the other ideas are great too. However, I don't know if I can even get into my Paypal account anymore. It's been well over two years since I have used it and policy on it has changed a few times to which I have not clicked the agreement stuff for. I could set up a new account.
Posted by FriendlyNeighborhoodWitch (Member # 6317) on :
I would definitely contribute to a Hatrack charity this year. Didn't have the money to last year, but I'd be more than happy to this year.
My vote is for First Book-I usually donate to a charity that funds literacy for adults (can't remember the name off-hand), but First Book sounds cool to me.
It makes me hope that if I were in a situation where my family could not afford to buy me a book that someone gave me that gift, especially thinking about how much reading has effected my life over the years.
[ November 20, 2004, 11:26 PM: Message edited by: FriendlyNeighborhoodWitch ]
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
No one seems to have nominated any new charities, so we will just vote on the ones already suggested.
First Book CARE ICRC Sudan Mercy Kits Heifer International Child's Play
[ November 22, 2004, 09:04 PM: Message edited by: The Rabbit ]
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Are we voting in-thread or via email?
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Um, and I don't see First Book on the list...
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Yikes! Indeed!
Posted by Cecily (Member # 5675) on :
My vote is for First Book. Even though it's not on the list. Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Sorry about that, First Book should have been at the top of the list but somehow vanished.
It is there now.
So far, the vast majority favor a donation to First Book. Unless there is a dramatic change before the end of the week, I will set things up for First Book.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
*still votes for First Book*
*wants to thank Rabbit again for all her hard work!* Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
I would also like to continue to donate to First Book. I also stumbled across this site: http://www.theliteracysite.com which apparently is either donating to or associated with First Book.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I vote for First Book, for the reasons I already mentioned.
Kwea
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
I just came up with another possibility.
The Children of Ethiopia Education Fund , link, provides scholarships for girls to attend school. I hadn't mentioned them earilier, because they ask that sponsor commit to support girls until they graduate from high school. I just found out, that they are assisting the local community in Koka (150km from Addis) in building their first school. They are currently raising funds to help build and staff this school, the "Turri Gefersa Children of Ethiopia Community School". Anybody who would like to donate to the KOKA School fund can send the checks to COEEF and designate "KOKA School" on their checks. They have already raised over 18,000birr ($2,080) which will build 2 buildings!! The local people are doing most of the labor and have donated over 2,500birr of their own money, and many building materials, so it is a joint effort. Mulu Seifu is donating the land to build the school.
Rich and I sponsor several girls through COEEF, its a great program run by some very dedicated people.
I still like the idea of donating to First Book, but this seemed like another really good option. Our money would go a long way in Koka Ethiopia.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
It looks like the consensus is to make a contribution as a group to "First Book"
We will handle this just like we did last year. You can send your contribution to me through paypal before Dec. 27, and I will make one donation dedicated to The Hatrack River Forum. If that doesn't work for you, you can go directly to First Book and dedicate your donation to Hatrack River.
To send your money to me, go to www.paypal.com and set up an account. You will have to provide a credit card number and a bank routing number. After you have done this, paypal will make two small deposits to your account. You then have to enter information about those deposits to validate your account. This is relatively simply if your bank has online access to your account information. If it doesn't, you may have to wait for a statement. I will keep a tally of all the donations made and make a report.
If you can't get access to paypal, make your contribution directly to First Book. Dedicate the donation to Hatrack River and send an e-card to HatrackForum@yahoo.com. Include the amount you donated in the e-card so that I can include it in the total.
Last year, we were able to donate over $600. Let's see if we can do it again.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
The email address in your profile is the one we send the PayPal payment to?
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Yes, Send the payments to the e-mail address in my profile.
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Thanks again for doing this Rabbit!!!
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
If we're donating directly to First Book, how do we dedicate it?
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
*bump* I really need an answer to this.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
To make a donation, dedicated to the Hatrack River Forum, go to this page
Hit donate now and there will be a box where you can write in the dedication information and later a place where you can send an e-mail.
[ December 01, 2004, 12:32 PM: Message edited by: The Rabbit ]
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
We are off and running, with $65 dollars in the pool.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
New Total -- $95
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
New Total: $120
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
bump to keep this on peoples minds
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
yet another bump
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
What was the total amount we raised last year? wasn't it like $500?
AJ
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
<just sent in her gift via paypal> Rabbit, just verifying here to be sure you get it.
Oh, yeah, AJ, I think it was almost $600.
[ December 03, 2004, 12:33 PM: Message edited by: Tatiana ]
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Yes Anne Kate, I got your donation through paypal, along with one more.
The new total is $150!!
Last year we donated over $600: $545 dollars that went through me and an additional 55+ dollars that was donated directly to First Book dedicated to the Hatrack River Forum. The + is because I didn't get a dollar amount on some of the donations made directly to First Book.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
bump
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Don't wait until the last minute
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Don't miss out on the opportunity to join with you Hatrack friends in doing something good.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
New Total: 153.58
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Someone donated three dollars and 58 cents?
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Nah, that was from the last 5 donations.
Seriously, The Rabbit, thank you for doing this and keeping it in front of us. I haven't donated yet, will check to see if my paypal account is still active tonight when I get home.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
quote:Someone donated three dollars and 58 cents?
People donate what they can. Last year, I thought it was the coolest thing. Somepeople donated alot, some donated a little, but in the end we had donated over $600 as a group -- much more than any individual. The multiplier effect is wonderful. Everyone pitches in what they they can and when we add it all up, we've done something bigger as a group than any of us can or would do individually.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Please, everybody join us. No contribution is too small.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
bump
Posted by FriendlyNeighborhoodWitch (Member # 6317) on :
How do we make sure with the link above that it is logged so that way we can track it in with the total from Hatrack?
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
If you send the donation to First Book, there is a place where you can dedicate the donation to Hatrack River Forum. You will then have an opportunity to send an e-mail. Send it to HatrackForum@yahoo.com. Put the amount you donate in the e-mail and I will add it to the total.
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
I'm waiting till I get my bonus from work this weekend, but I'm so excited!
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
I just go some more contributions!!
New Total: 223.58
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
bump
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Jenni and I get paid next weekend, and we will send our donation then.
Kwea
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
Rabbit, I hate doing the credit card/Paypal thing... any chance I could send you a check instead?
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
You can have Paypal deduct directly from your checking account -- I do.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Update: New total 253.58.
plaid, If you want to send a check, send it directly to First Book and dedicate the donation to Hatrack. If you don't like that route, send me an e-mail and I will e-mail you my address.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Don't wait until the last minute!
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
bump
Posted by BelladonnaOrchid (Member # 188) on :
Whee! Just made my donation!
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
New Total: 268.58
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
New Total: 310.58
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
When are you closing the donation? The end of the year, or on Christmas Day? (I'm trying to work out my holiday budget...)
AJ
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Rabbit, I just sent you a donation - I hope it's not too late.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
New Total: 335.58
I'll wait until Dec. 31 to make the donation so it's not to late.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
bump
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Two days left! Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity!
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
We didn't match last years total, but it has still been an awsome experience.
I have never met any of you in the flesh, and yet look at what we were able to accomplish together.
I am honored that you would trust me enough to send me money for this cause. It says something remarkable about the members of this forum and Hatrack community.
Thanks for adding to my wonderful Christmas with your generousity to poor children. I wish I could see some of these kids faces when they get their first book. Maybe someday a few of them will read some OSC book, come by the forum and join our community.
Let's plan to do it again next you. You guys are the greatest.
**Bonnie
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Thanks Bonnie for leading this effort again.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Yeah, this is so cool! I think of it as getting future hatrackers addicted to reading. <laughs> An intelligently self-spreading disease. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
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