There are 43 people on that list, if that answers some of the questions from above. You would be surprised what 43 people can do.
I deal with different people than those found on TFL. My fund raising efforts are projected towards assisting terminally ill children with genetic disorders. Of the 800 members who belong to our organization, take a guess on how many of them raise funds? One hundred at the most are active and that is a high estimation. Our corporation consists of parents, such as myself, with children who are going to die and a handful of medical staff. Scientist need money to find a cure for this disorder. The Scientist are very close to finding a cure for this disorder, but do parents contribute? Sadly, no they do not.
Why not? That is a question I've asked myself for many years. A few TFL members would like to see $60,000 raised for their cause. I would like to give my opinion, and that's what it is …an opinion…
In dealing with "people" as long as I have, I can tell you that it is not an easy project getting money from anyone, even when it is something they strongly believe in. I don't care what the cause is for, they will leave it to someone else to do the campaigning. What I have learned is to take the small amount of people I do have and build from that.
So Rob is unable to proceed with this project. My first question would be who is willing to take over? My next question would be what is a $60,000 ad in USA Today really going to do? After the paper is tossed in the trash and sent to the recycling bin, what have we accomplished? Perhaps this is an issue that TFL members are asking themselves and perhaps why they have not donated. Also the fact $50 can buy lots of groceries for some families.
I have learned from experience, you will have 10-15% of your membership who will actually help in a project. You can either let that stop you, or build on what you have. I honestly think that TFL should start a foundation of some sort. Running an ad in a paper is beside the point. The funds are not there to do that anyway, but I think returning donations is not the answer. I surely cannot speak for the 43 people who donated. Perhaps they will be willing to share their views.
I think each person should be contacted on whether or not they would like their money to be put in an account for future TFL ideas. An organization or a project does not form over night, nor does it run ITSELF. Perhaps Rich and the other TFL administrators do not wish to form an organization? If not, then so be it. I personally would like to see the intelligent men and women I've come to know on TFL start and maintain an organization.
I've witnessed with my own life what a small group of people can do.
Any feedback would be appreciated. My E-mail is listed above if you do not wish to post.
Thanks,
J
P.S. Just checked membership, five people have joined since yesterday. That's five people who did not know about FOUP.
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The whole secret of a successful life is to find out what it is one's destiny to do, and then do it.
HENRY FORD, "Success," Forum, October 1928
[This message has been edited by LadydeeJ (edited August 14, 1999).]