2018 Haven Foundation Fundraiser-Change

[jhanic]

I have no problem with the selection of one or more of those links as long as they are properly vetted. I still like the idea of the Bangor library though. They are small enough that a donation would mean something.

John

[Merlin1958]

Whilst I bow to Bill's greater knowledge on charities and donations, (his charity works and getting others to contribute are legendary around here) on the comments above I would disagree, for the following reasons:

1. This is foremost a site that revolves around books, Stephen King books in the majority, but plenty of other authors have threads as well.
2. RF has already made the decision and approached Bangor Library and they appear very positive about working with the site. Public recognition will also spread word about the site and potentially gain more members (and therefore the possibility of additional future donations)
3. IMHO SK will be more inclined to donate or sign a book if the charity is associated with literature.
4. The bigger charities, whilst doing excellent work have many, many supporters and marketing machines to spread the word and get donations, It's the smaller charities that tend to get overlooked by the general public.
5. I don't want to annoy the Library Policeman....

JM2C

As this thread has developed I have checked in to see the discussion without contributing to gather the collective feeling of those here who direct the fundraiser as well as members concerns. One thought that occurred to me and perhaps others is another option (if needed/desired) might be to look to other organizations which King has noted he suggest might be worthwhile alternatives.

The Haven Foundation has a links page which might be a resource to consider alternative charities which support writers and/or artists. http://www.thehavenfdn.org/links

I'll probably go with the general consensus and, Simon makes some very valid points.

Jims' post also makes a lot of sense. I guess I just see it as a chance to get a bigger bang for our buck so to speak by contributing to a more well knownw charity. If we can find one that King is involved with as well then I think we have covered all the bases. Again, I'll got with whatever the majority determines. That includes a "Grand Prize" type auction/giveaway item even if Mr. King agrees to sign for the fund raiser again. How's that sound?

I just really think just about anything other than a local library would make artist/publisher pivoting easier and more inclusive. JMHO

Also, I don't see why we cannot split the funds amongst two or three valid charities (which would not proclude the BPL from participation) and make a decision that much easier. no?

[Shannon]

It's up to RF, of course. It's his ball, we're just playing with it. But, that being said, I'm with Bill, especially about the Shriners.

[Brian861]

It's up to RF, of course. It's his ball, we're just playing with it. But, that being said, I'm with Bill, especially about the Shriners.

I'm gonna have to draw the line at playing with Jerome's balls. Just not my bag, baby.

[Merlin1958]

After further consideration I think I am going to formally withdraw from assuming any kind of a role, such as it is/was from the fundraiser going forward. As such I officially withdraw any offer (s) and/or commitments I have made in the past. I just don't have the wherewithal any longer with my past/present health issues, etc.

I'll drop my few sheckles in the bucket when I can, but I just cannot assume any role as I have in the past (such as it may have been) or considered recently. I wish the site and its very generous members nothing but the best in whatever direction they should choose to pursue. I need to focus on my own personal issues going forward. I'll just continue to support the membership from behind the scenes as I have done in the past.

If there is someone out there who chooses to pick up the mantle in assisting the sites fundraising efforts please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to transfer my contacts and goodwill with the artists/publishers over to him/her if they should so choose. I enjoy the site and community too much to risk letting them/it down when pursuing charitable efforts for those in need. Thank you in advance for your understanding and let me know when or where I can drop a few sheckles in the proverbial bucket!!!! LOL

Also, I apologize in advance if my reversal causes anyone any consternation. I suppose my charitable eyes were bigger than my stomach could bear. lol Furthermore, concerning, RF's "Balls" I'll leave that discussion and its outcome to more knowledgeable members!!! LOL

Best of luck, folks. I'll be watching!!! lol lol I'll see you all around the forum/site and wish you all the happiest of holidays!!!!!



P.S. On a side note, I want to thank, El Jefe for allowing me to assist in the past fundraisers and their resultant success's. It was a great run, we had some fun and we did an amazing amount of good for others over the span. I also want to applaud, RF again for the HUGE amount of work and dedication he has provided to the fund raisers over the years. You folks really have no idea just how much time, money, work and dedication he demonstrates and provides for these things every year!!!!

THANK YOU, BOSS!!!!!!!!!!

[Randall Flagg]

Mr. King has graciously agreed to inscribe a book to our Grand Prize winner. He did say that due to his desire to spend more time writing, this would be the last year he would do so.

[stroppygoblin]

Mr. King has graciously agreed to inscribe a book to our Grand Prize winner. He did say that due to his desire to spend more time writing, this would be the last year he would do so.

[Randall Flagg]

In light of King's participation, I think I will start the fundraiser January 19th and run it through May 19th.

Since I don't want to fund-raise for the site at the same time, I believe I should put up the site donation button now, and leave it up until January 18th.

[jcmanske]

Outstanding, RF! So excited to hear this and am very grateful that you asked. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

[Ari_Racing]

Very good news.

[webstar1000]

Gotta love it. Mr. King is too busy writing to write 10 words in a book for some of his most die hard fans in the world. I don't know whether to be disgusted OR happy he has that many more stories to write. LOL

[Randall Flagg]

I try not to look at it in a negative way. He is getting older, and although it's just one book for us, I'm sure he's pulled in many other directions, and the cumulative time adds up. He could have simply declined, so I'm happy for our last hurrah.

[webstar1000]

I try not to look at it in a negative way. He is getting older, and although it's just one book for us, I'm sure he's pulled in many other directions, and the cumulative time adds up. He could have simply declined, so I'm happy for our last hurrah.

Well said. I will lean towards happy. Hopefully it is a doozy of a sign too!

[Ben Staad]

I agree. I think it was fairly amazing that he did this for the fundraiser to begin with so I'm happy to hear there will be another year with an SK inscribed grand prize. Simply outstanding that he is willing to do this.

I try not to look at it in a negative way. He is getting older, and although it's just one book for us, I'm sure he's pulled in many other directions, and the cumulative time adds up. He could have simply declined, so I'm happy for out last hurrah.

[Brian861]

I try not to look at it in a negative way. He is getting older, and although it's just one book for us, I'm sure he's pulled in many other directions, and the cumulative time adds up. He could have simply declined, so I'm happy for our last hurrah.

Well said. I will lean towards happy. Hopefully it is a doozy of a sign too!

And more importantly, signed to me Reading into the words "our last hurrah"; '18 will be the last year for fundraising of this nature?

[Randall Flagg]

2018 will certainly be the last year King will inscribe a book for our Grand Prize winner.

[Randall Flagg]

Since it's no longer a fundraiser for The Haven Foundation, and it doesn't start until 1/19/2018, I was thinking of archiving this thread in a day or two. That or changing the name.

I'd really like to focus on getting members to donate to the site over the next ~5 weeks.

[peripheral]

I try not to look at it in a negative way. He is getting older, and although it's just one book for us, I'm sure he's pulled in many other directions, and the cumulative time adds up. He could have simply declined, so I'm happy for our last hurrah.

Well said, RF. I remember when I first joined TDT how amazed I was that King was associating so closely with this site to begin with, via this charity. I think it's a wonderful legacy of TDT.