Some Sad News

[Steviegwood]

Hi Everyone, I have a co-worker that lost his home and all of the family belongings yesterday due to a fire. He has two children and a wife. We took it upon ourselves at work today to take up a collection of monies to help the family. I am trying to get our company to let me raffle some woodworking to raise money for them and to this point they are saying no way. It has been done in the past with great success. It got out of hand and people were raffling for personal profits. That I understand but would think in consideration of the circumstances there should be some exceptions. What do you all think on the subject? Would your employers be that cold hearted? Steve

[chrispuzzle]

A co-worker - so someone at the same company - so they know about the fire and his loss, right? And they still won't allow the raffle? That sucks.

Chris

[Randy Huckeby]

Hey Steviegwood,

I would think your employer should lead the way on this. Be CAREFUL with management like that in place things could go south real fast!

[Andy]

Aw man ... my family went through that when I was 10. Imagine spending the rest of your life with few or no pictures and memorabilia from your childhood. Those types of things can never be replaced. IMHO the company you work for is totally in the wrong by not allowing every and any opportunity for you as friends, co workers and fellow employees to show your support. It's all voluntary and people don't have to participate. If you only got $20 for something worth 100's of $$ and it was donated to the family involved, just the thought that somebody cared enough to do something. Send my condolensces to the family. Hopefully they're involved in a local church and get all the support they'll need from those around them ... including their co workers.

Andy

[PeteB]

25-30 years ago, people used to complain of companies being "paternalistic". Can't accuse too many of them of that these days!

Good on you for taking up your friend's cause, but it's best not to push too hard after making your point. Instead, maybe you can ask if it's OK to organize a raffle/auction/fundraiser at a church or some other place.

If you conduct yourself well, who knows? Maybe your employer will relent.

Best of luck,

Pete

[Daryl185]

Steve let me know if they or someone decides to have a raffel I have some pieces collecting dust I would love to donate

[Rivari]

Steve that sucks big time, in my field we take care of our own and god help us if we don't.

I'm with Daryl if there is something I can donate let me know, I have pieces collecting dust just for my own amusement that I will gladly send your way.

[miamw]

I agree with everyone else. It's too bad you aren't allowed to hold the raffle. Be careful, though, if you decide to do it on your own. You don't want to put your job on the line. I know raffles can be tricky. Any time there is a carnival or town day around here in Jersey, they need to buy a permit from the municipality to hold the raffle. Maybe that's what your employer is worried about, legal things.

I wish I could help in some way. How old are their children? Do they need clothes or toys?

Oh, and if you do want to take it upon yourself, you could always put some of your stuff up for auction on the internet or have a private yard sale, then donate the money to the family. Just my 2¢.

[PuzzledMoose]

I'm with the others in thinking that your employers are pretty heartless, Steve. I know that there can be problems with legal issues over raffles, as others have said but some rules are made to be bent ....

I'm also quite happy to donate a couple of pieces to sell/raffle .. whatever .. if it will help ..

[Steviegwood]

Thank you one and all for your kind offers. I just got back from visiting and delivering some donated items to the family. I printed off a copy of all of the generous offers and took it to the family and it brought tears to their eyes. If anyone wants to send anything just PM me or email me for my address. I will be sure to pass anything on. The church he goes to is going to have a benefit and I think the local fire dept. is going to have one too. I know that the family loves wood working because they have bought from me. He made mention that if any of you send woodworking that he would like to have a couple of pieces to decorate a new home when they get one. They had no insurance on their home and lost everything. I thought that it would be nice that if anybody donated wood art if you could sign it it would mean a lot to the family. Again I as well as The Family Thanks you, Steve