A marketing + philanthropy opportunity

[Charles]

Hi folks,

So I've been helping a friend by building him a website to raise money for a family in his hometown. http://www.amandawattsbenefit.org/

I've decided to go a step further and do a promotion in my private practice, and I thought I'd open it up to everyone (every bit helps)... I am choosing to donate 100% of my fee for 10 massages to first time clients, but you could choose something completely different. Get creative!

Check out http://www.amandawattsbenefit.org/shop#massage

Do you want to participate? If enough folks are interested, I'll make an entire massage section organized by locale

1) Decide what kind of promotion you'd like to run (e.g. 10% of fees for first time clients during a certain time period go to the Benefit, a certain amount of massage, etc)
2) Link to the site from your website if you have one
3) Let me know your info so we can link to you

 

[Tim S]

Ok... 68 views and no replies? Someone please comment and tell me what's lacking with this idea! :-D

 

[placplacplac]

At the risk of seeming coldhearted, I guess I'll speak up with "what's wrong."

As much as we like you, Josh, nobody here on this board has any point of reference as to this unknown person's credibility, honesty and ability to use funds wisely. Most public/private charities have jumped through the hoops of setting up a trust or 501c3 non-profit to be sure that administration of funds collected is on record as being used for the stated purpose. This collection just seems like some guy knocking on "doors" asking for 20 bucks.

The website has no credentials for the person. Since Hurricane Katrina, I still get at least one solicitation a week from somebody who is "raising money for a hardworking family who doesn't want to take charity from the government." Granted, this presentation is slick compared to the solicitations I get in my email or in the mail.

In addition to personal solicitations for money, as a MT and business owner, I field at least 2-3 requests a week to "massage people for free at our charity event." At this point, I only do the ones that I have a personal attachment with, (such as Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital, or American Diabetes Association or Jingle Bell Run,) or individuals that I know personally who have a great need for funds or bodywork.

In addition, once the door is opened on people soliciting for private funds on a discussion board, it seems to open the floodgates.

Last, in this particular project, it seems quite unrealistic for $25k to accomplish all (or even part of) what the initiator of this collection seems to have in mind. It makes me wonder if actual bids have been taken and estimates made.

I think it's great that you're helping with a program of assistance. I'm sorry I won't be able to contribute.

 

[indicabud1uk]

Thank you! You don't seem coldhearted. C.f. one of my long time friends who suggested that some of the children with muscular dystrophy might be old enough to get jobs.

I've been encouraging the organizer of this benefit to look into starting or at least working with an existing non-profit. He seems to be of the mind that forming a non-profit would be a lot of work and expense just to raise $25k, but I am going to pass your comments along to him. He has been looking into working with the Catholic charities in that part of the country.

once the door is opened on people soliciting for private funds on a discussion board, it seems to open the floodgates.

Perhaps my post was inappropriate... I'd invite comment on this from everyone else. My main motivation was to share the opportunity for attracting philanthropic clients (I have had good results from this kind of arrangement and donate gift certificates to local non-profits regularly). I myself wouldn't want to see posts on the board asking for cash donations or free work.

in this particular project, it seems quite unrealistic for $25k to accomplish all (or even part of) what the initiator of this collection seems to have in mind. It makes me wonder if actual bids have been taken and estimates made.

Interesting... I believe the contractor is donating the labor. Does $25k seem like enough to cover all the materials? They are looking for in-kind donations of new appliances, so I don't think they expect the $25k to cover that.

Thanks for raising that concern, so that we can address it fully on the website.

 

[nivea]

Labor is certainly the largest expense by far when dealing with such things as electrical problems and black mold. If the black mold is Stachybotrys, there is often significant expense in the tools/wraps needed to remove the mold, as well as major reconstruction expense following the removal.

Depending upon how much labor and materials are donated, $25k could well be enough. It would be in the fundraiser's best interests to outline how so much will be accomplished with that "little" money.

I suspect the jobs for the older children would go a long way toward making this seem a "worthy" cause. Also, the first thing that came to my mind was that if they have children who are severely disabled, have they sought assistance from public channels such as disability? There are many MANY people in dire need who CAN'T get gov't assistance. So IF it is the case that this family could get assistance, but won't, it may seem noble, but really it is potentially taking assistance from another family who can't get assistance.

Ultimately, none of us can judge what is happening with this family... we don't know them. But once we are asked for money, we have a responsibility to be judicious with our funds, which is often very difficult for the fundraiser, since they often have to disclose a great deal of detail and personal information before people will really feel "right' about opening their wallets.

 

[Avinash kumar]

Thank you again... I'll discuss all of this with him. A "What happens to the money?" section seems like a logical next step.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Thanks Breathe, for stepping in with a response. I hesitated, because I didn't want to come across as hardhearted. It's so hard to be articulate about something like this.

It actually never occurred to me that this was a scam. I'm a little naive that way I guess, and should consider that option more often. However, like Breathe, I give to favorite charities regularly. I actually budget for such donations as a bill, and pay it every month. Already, I have too many to choose from. There's no lack of worthy causes. I also have chosen individuals locally to help with massage therapy donations. It just didn't make sense for me to respond to a fundraising drive across the country, when so many people are in need in my own community. In my own extended family, for that matter.

I myself wouldn't want to see posts on the board asking for cash donations or free work.

This sentence confused me, since you posted exactly that. I'm not upset that you did so; I just find it odd that you would object to others doing the same.

 

[handsomeprince75]

Wow. I can see that I did not make myself clear at all! I have edited my original post to reflect my intentions more clearly. The idea here isn't to have people just give away massage, but to promote their business while contributing to the benefit.

 

[GenderS]

I suppose I didn't respond because I get many requests for charity, via doing free massage or donating money or goods. I never donate in a way to market because that just never paid off to be honest. I donate to causes I resonate with.

I don't think what you are doing is bad but it will be easier to raise funds locally.

Good luck.

 

[Frederic]

Yes... the organizer has been running in to that... he's looking for ways to communicate that help expand the circle people draw when they think of what constitutes "our community".

I'm heartened by the donations from people in other countries

 

[BETTY- Doing The Do]

Hey folks, just wanted to provide an update!

Work has begun on the Watts' home, and has begun to attract lots of local attention. Details of what's been done and new pictures have been added, as well as an updated list of donors and helpers.

It's neat to see everything begin to pay off!

http://www.amandawattsbenefit.org/

 

[Very Chucky]

I also took the time to look, but not reply.

I don't get many requests for charity. And, don't think I don't believe in it and support it! But I do what I can where I am, and just can't take up every cause that is out there.

I applaud you in your efforts. I hope you continue to raise money for the family.