Wow, for the most part, we have some adults over here. Amazing!

I am the guy that started the thread over at CU and I am blown away at the circus. Sure, Jason could have been a little clearer, but his intentions were very noble. I have talked to him several times on the phone about this. It really bothers me that a simple misunderstanding has a good guy stressed out over trying to do a good deed.

Since having met Jason in 2008, he has become a friend that I talk to on a regular basis. We have done several deals together in the thousands of dollars. I said that to simply say that I trust him and that comes from experience.

Keep your head up, Jason.

There's a lot of hate on here for a guy that's trying to help out people in need. Best of luck in raising more funds.

Shane and Pete

Thanks so much. I am looking forward to getting back down there and helping physically as well. We have a few more late ones just come through and I will send those Monday. All in all it looks like I will have a nice little amount to help with thanks to gracious contributors.

Jason

Read through the PSA posts
 

That is 10 minutes of my life I would like back

1) Jason probably meant well. His point was to sell cards to us, to raise money and time to help people physically and financially devasted by a recent natural disaster. The problem is, unless you work directly WITH an agency and let them do the selling, there is no way for "US" to get the tax writeoff.

2) He brought up that a 52 Mantle MIGHT be part of the raffle. Frankly, IMHO, the card either *IS* or *IS NOT* part of the raffle. I can understand why anyone is uncomfortable about making a $3K donation without really having a way to document on their taxes, Eventually, the agreement was this card should be part of the whole deal. We may not have gotten their the way we wanted to,,,, but we got the right ending.

3) I sent out a check for 3 packs and will probably send out another check for some more packages. To me, since I don't get the tax writeoff, this is a cool grab bag, nothing more nothing less and a nice way to get some new stuff to look at. Since I don't like the Topps "giveaway" this year, I'm buying very little at the retail stores -- much to the gless of the wife and MIL

4) Leon, next time stay strong with not letting most charitable things come on the board. I asked you, and respect the reasons I was turned down, for asking for items for my synagogue's yearly auction. (I can provide tax receipts immediately so its legit) and having done a turn as treasurer this year, when we have to raise money every years to keep the doors open, the job turned my hair an extreme shade of grey. (Still have about one week to accept items :) )


Regards
Rich

Nicely put Mr. Klein. I can say that I too have sent to this cause. I do agree with these types of solicitations being allowed here. I will not need the tax deductions from such donations as I don't make any money to speak of anyway.

I notice a hint of a background story that is bugging you about a similar type of fund raising. I have no idea if a disaster hit your synagogue or not, had it, I would be more than happy to contribute. A church or synogoue or my sick grandfather, who I'm sure has a shoebox full of cards , is not a fundraiser that I'm comfortable donating to, this was a natural disaster.

It is not a true donation, however. You are agreeing to purchase said items with the intent that the proceeds will be going to this effort. I would never ask for a tax receipt as I will have what I agreed to purchase soon.

If the building has suffered damage as a result of a disaster where many where left homeless, broken, or worse yet, dead, please let me know where to contribute.

Rawn

I can promise that I will be taking no deductions here. My reason for doing this was to help, not for write offs or anything else suggested as on CU. Rich got the check yesterday and cards shipped Monday.


Thanks
Jason

to be clear
 

I get a lot of requests for doing charity stuff on the main page. I usually, begrudgingly have to say "no." This was a National disaster where there were people that got everything in their life wiped out and many family and friends lost their lives. A board member (could have been any board member) came to me and asked if I would help with it in letting him use the board to help raise donations AND he was putting a lot of skin in the game with his efforts. I made an exception to the rule. Rich's situation was an annual charity event and I had to say no. He did get to put it in the Water-cooler section.....but I do protect the front page a little bit, on purpose. It's certainly not personal and I hope everyone who I have had to say "no" to understands my position. It's not an enviable one. best regards

For the good of it.
 

Leon,
Its always tough being the man who has to make the final decision on any issue here, But I must say I believe you did the right thing here. Even if Jasons effort is just a drop in the bucket, but if we had a 1000 more "Drops in the bucket" like Jason the world would be a better place in my opinion. I commend you sir on your effort.

Why pass on the write-off? Sure, I understand the charity factor, and writing it off may feel like cheapening it. But honestly, do you think the government is going to do anything worthwhile with that money? I say write it off, and then donate what you'd gained from the write-off. It's kind of like the legal "Robin Hood" loophole.

I have to say that I agree. Some people might have a problem with a tax write-off if that was your ONLY or MAIN motive for doing this. However, you motive is to help. I would at least write-off the many cards you donated. Why anyone would have a problem with a tax write-off is beyond me. I would much rather a fellow collector get the tax write-off then our government squandering it away.

Got my package today and opened the '81 Fleer pack and thought "I'm pretty sure the Henderson is the highest valued card" and low and behold out pops Rickey. Pretty excited to get the best card in the set in my 1 pack. Thanks again.

Thanks Jason!
 

I received my package today as well. As a kid of the '80s and '90s it was a fun trip down memory lane. There were even a couple of 70s cards in there. These cards will go in my stash for my nephew when he gets old enough to really start caring about baseball.

I'm glad to have participated and will continue to pray for the victims of this disaster.

Jason,

I just came across this thread and I think it's great with what you are doing. I was born and raised in Eldorado, Illinois which I am sure you know well. I have plenty of friends that were affected by this tornado as a couple of my close friends lost their homes and a distant family member of mine was hospitalized from it.

I live across the river from Louisville, Ky in Indiana and two days later after Harrisburg was hit, I watched a 1/2 mile wide F4 tornado from my home go into a towns of Henryville and Marysville and destroy them. It litterally wiped out the whole town of Marysville, Indiana off the map. It's been crazy around here but the amount of support has been overwhelming.

I plan on purchasing a couple of packs as I wasn't able to do anything for my hometown folks in Illinois as I have been busy with the efforts here.

Thanks for all of your efforts.

Todd Evans

Todd

Hey! My stepmother is Katy (Putnam) Duncan. I may be staying at her house in Eldorado (Bill and Helens old house on Benton St. ) while I fix up some homes. I am good friends with alot of people from Eldorado and miss going to the Holiday tournaments. I also played for Evansville Otters for s very short stint back in the day and my best friend lives in Newburgh. His business was wiped out by a tornado 2-3 years ago that hit Newburgh.

Be well,
Jason

I got my packs the other day and it was great ripping through them as I have not done that in nearly 20 years. Major trip down memory lane. I saved all the cards and a few packs for my son when he is old enough.

Jason was true to his word on all the add-in cards, signature cards, and packs. I am confident my donation went to a good person. Thanks.

Mine came via dog sled yesterday, but I've not opened them yet. Yeah. I was a prick at X-mas also, I could wait. Always happy to contribute to things that help those in true need....even if I don't get a tax break.

Rawn

Hey thanks for posting. I will update all shortly on how the funds raised are spent. The locally police whom I know very well, are making a fund for purchasing items for children affected and in need. I am leaning towards that or a local church that is buying building supplies and fixing houses for those who had no insurance. We have over $1000 to donate so this will be a huge help!

Thanks again!
Jason

Got package today
 

Not bad at all for a $30 "grab bab"

3 Scrub Autographs (just being honest -- but it is what it is)
Star Cards:

89-90 Hoops David Robinson RC #138
1981 Topps Pete Rose
1978 Topps Willie Stargell

45 STAR and I will stress STAR cards. Oldest one 72 Red Schoendienst MG (HOFer)


1985 Donruss Pack (Chance of tons of RC's)
1986 Donruss Pack (Chance at some decent RC's)
1992-93 Topps Series 2 Basketball Pack -- Chance of Shaquille O'Neal RC

Not bad -- yes moneys worth

Rich