Charity Donation FAQ and pool total

[Lorinda Norton]

Here's a copy of Dylan's post from the last charity challenge, with a total giving update:

Q: How does the Charity Challenge work?
A: For those who are new to the Charity Challenge, here's how it works:
1) You donate a bit of cash to the DVC/UWOL charity pool.
2) At the end of the video challenge, the winner of the competition chooses a charity of his/her choice.
3) We mail a check for the full amount to the charity, and make someone who needs some extra help, very, very happy for the holidays.

Q: How much has the Charity Challenge raised in the past?
A: Not including this year, we've donated $3036 to charities.

Q: How much should I donate?
A: The average donation is $20-$30. The highest was $100 (you know who you are!), but even $5 helps buy a needy family a meal or wildlife in need.

Q: I only want my money to go to a charity I like.
A: Then submit a film and win it all for your charity!

Q: Do I have to donate to the charity pool to enter a film in the competition?
A: No, you don't have to donate to the charity pool to enter. But it will make you feel good inside to do so, I promise.

Q: Can I just have the prize pool money sent to my buddy, then spend it on beer?
A: 1) We make sure all charities are real. 2) You'd never escape Lorinda's wrath.

Q: OK, I think this is a great idea, how do I donate?
A: Send a Paypal payment to us at softserveinc@hotmail.com Please mark it as a gift, or Paypal skims 3%.

Q: What if I don't have Paypal?
A: I bet you know someone who does!

Q: No, really I don't.
A: You can mail me a check and I'll add that amount to the charity pool. Email me through the forum.

Here's the sign-up thread again! http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/dvc-uwol...e-sign-up.html

[Lorinda Norton]

Here's a look back at where your donations have gone!

2009: $276 to Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund American Red Cross
2008: $635 to Foreningen Våre Rovdyr, Foreningen Våre Rovdyr - Forside
2007: $861 to United Way Idaho Meth Project, Idaho Meth Project
2006: $739 to Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org
2005: $525 to Hope House, http://www.ahome2come2.com/

[Dylan Couper]

Current pool total: $380
Pool goal: $500

Current list of donators:
-Lorinda Norton
-Finn-Erik Faale
-Dylan Couper
-Dasher Films (I need your real name please!)
-Chris Barcellos
-Meryem Ersoz
-Dale Guthormsen
-Kris Holodak
-David Burns (aka Henry Williams)
-Marj Atkins
-Pete Bauer
-Bill Thesken

[Dale Guthormsen]

Good afternoon

Could this be updated so people know if their donations have been received?

[Lorinda Norton]

Sure thing, Dale. Let me try to rouse Dylan and we'll get it up to date. :)

[Dylan Couper]

Hey everyone, updated charity pool.
Thanks everyone!

Also, anyone know who Dasher Films is? Didn't get the name from Paypal.

And a big thumbs up to one very large donation from someone who knows who he is but may/may not want recognition, so I will leave it at that for now!

[Lorinda Norton]

We will get the donation pool list updated as soon as we can. Just got word of a new donation this morning, so this is a good time to let you know that we're still accepting them! Could we actually reach the goal of $500? :)

If I may offer my perspective...

When Dylan started the charity challenge I remember it was Christmastime...and the big softy was thinking about little kids and families who wouldn't have presents or a Christmas dinner like so many of us enjoy. He mentioned that he liked the idea of the money raised for this challenge to go to the hometown, smaller charities that really struggle this time of year.

That said, the DVC/UWOL Charity Challenge applauds whatever charity the winner chooses, whether it be for people, companion animals, nature, etc. From the current, devastating events in both Australia and Brazil to the "invisible" sadness in your neighborhood, help is needed everywhere. Caring is the first step in charity, so if you can, please donate. If you can't, try to lend a hand in your area to ease suffering and hardship in the realm that tugs at your heart. It makes a difference! :)

[Dylan Couper]

Updated...!