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(rocky) Bonney Lake Wa.

Well because of some complication in how the money is to be distributed I/we have choosen a the save the children group. It is a shame that even though it was arranged with the BEST intension to run it through the GVGO and CANADA appereantly it raised some issues of legallity of how it was to be done. So The auction is STILL VERY ON!! just a different avenue for funds to be distributed.
http://www.savethechildren.org/get-involved/fundraising-challenges/alt-ways-to-give-earthquake-wpg-haiti-0110.html

2/3/2010 9:12:37 PM

Ohio

Ron, Im not that smartest when it comes to things like this, but all the money you make from the Hati auction, why couldnt you then send all that money to say someone like Eddy who lives in Canada,(just using Eddy as a example because he lives in Canada) and then have Eddy send that money to the Haiti Charity, which they would still matched dollar for dollar because the money will be coming from Canada? What kind of loop holes would you have to go through to do that?

2/3/2010 9:28:16 PM

(rocky) Bonney Lake Wa.

That would be an awesome way to accomplish this but I had asked the GVGO if they would be willing to be the host of the auction and it appears as if they are willing to do so but because of someones perspective on how the money is to be filtered through I dont know that it would even be possible to do that. I really am having a hard time thinking that someone would be so hard set on taking and threatening legal actions if ANY money is ran through there gov. plan (dollar for dollar)for the good of sooo many others as to squish it. IF there is any way of accomplishing this legally so that others involved in helping me dont have to be worry about any legal complications I am open to any and all suggestions. But for now we will use the save the children of Haiti.

2/3/2010 10:00:58 PM

[email protected]

Ron, If you want me to make the donation for you I will, without question. We can double your funds. There is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with that. It's done all the time. I'm curious as to how people think some time. This is for the survivors of a tragedy, and our government has offer to double any donation by a Canadian, I'm a Canadian, and I know the government would care less where I get the money from to donate. If someone on this site has a problem with me doing this, tough $hit

2/3/2010 10:11:47 PM

[email protected]

Ron If you want to use my Paypal account, your welcome to it.

2/3/2010 10:13:04 PM

[email protected]

Just to confirm, I just spent the better part of an hour on the phone with a buddy of mine, who is an aid to the MLA, (our federal gov't rep) and as long as the moneys are donated by me, they don't care where I get the money's from, The donation will be registered in my name, and can't be in a business, or any type of Organization. This is 100% legal.

2/4/2010 12:21:43 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Kul Beans Eddy, way to step up!!! C'mon Ron, do it!!! Peace, Wayne

2/4/2010 12:29:11 AM

Alberta

Finding a loop hole and being 100% legal are two different things Eddy!..If you tell them the truth the donation is 100 % ilegal....I phoned the 1 800 # in the other post they told me it has to be donated by a Canadian.
CRB(Ron)correcting misinformation regarding your auction is getting to be a full time job,nobody is threatening legal action...I simply told Tom in chat that I had a very lenghthy conversation with a CIDA rep...and that I might have said too much in the conversation trying to explain exactly what your perpetrating!...And you want to know why?

2/4/2010 1:17:00 AM

Alberta

Its very simple really...I don't believe its right to misrepresent,steal,lie or cheat to obtain money...even if you are giving it away!...its just not the proper way to do things!

2/4/2010 1:20:14 AM

Alberta

Eddy I almost forgot...The lady I talked to said that if someone knowingly did do this in her opinion it would be considered fraud and that that was a criminal offence.Maybe check with Cida and tell the whole story.I am positive you will get a different answer..I know I did!

2/4/2010 2:18:19 AM

Citrus Heights, CA

Ron & Eddy,
Thought for the day.
After Monday and Tuesday...
even the calendar say's W.T.F.
I will donate 50.00 toward the relief effort before the auction. Let me know where to send the money. Ron Root

2/4/2010 5:25:23 AM

Ohio

Windy city, Just trying to figure out how this would be 'illegal'?... Lets just say for instance, you and I want to raise money for the Haiti relief fund, me being from the US and you being from Canada...
Lets say you and I get into our own seed banks and pick out a bunch of great seeds to have a auction on here tonight. Lets say we raise 2000.00 and all the money is sent to you.

So, your saying that it would be illegal for you to send that 2000.00 to Haiti that could also be doubled by the Government? I just dont understand this?

2/4/2010 6:43:34 AM

Ohio

Forgot to add,
''reason why the money is being sent to you is because you and I decided that you would be the treasurer.

2/4/2010 6:45:37 AM

Rhode Island

why is it that it seems every time someone on this site wants to do something good for someone it always ends up in a pissing contest?

its really quite simple.
1. find a established club to hold the auction and collect the proceeds.
2. after funds are collected and deposited in said clubs checking account?, write a check out to the charity of your choice and mail it out.keeping said donation info for your clubs records.

if the canadian group cant handle this because of any laws etc, host the darn auction from a usa club.

the important thing is the destination not the vehicle that gets you there.

christ if i did not know i was on big pumpkins id think i just read the minutes from some political meeting.

pap

2/4/2010 8:22:15 AM

(rocky) Bonney Lake Wa.

BamBam If you or anyone else would like to donate some money I wouldnt have a problem having it sent to me and I could distribute it to the charitable organization. I am assuming you'd want it sent in with the auction money raised so if you'd like to e mail [email protected] or send it via PayPal using that e mail would be fine Just make sure to put Haiti donation in the caption.

2/4/2010 8:45:14 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

This is getting ridiculous, the exerpt below was taken from the CIDA homepage and clearly outlines what which donations are eligible to be matched by the Canadian Government:

"The government will not match donations made by corporations, governments, businesses, partnerships, schools, incorporated or non-incorporated entities, or unions from their EXISTING resources that were not raised from individuals specifically in response to the earthquake. HOWEVER, amounts raised from fundraising events undertaken to raise money from individuals in response to the earthquake are eligible. This fundraising may be undertaken by schools, faith-based organizations, clubs, social groups, businesses, incorporated entities, or registered charities."

Let's just do this, no one is in any danger of legal action for ____ sake.

2/4/2010 8:48:41 AM

[email protected]

Hey Pap, remember your saying "I've never met a pumpkin grower I didn't like" I bet you're close now!!!!!

Anyway, here is the plan!!!!

I am in the process of donating $3000.00 to the Canadian government, for the Haiti disaster. This will be done by days end, If anyone would like to contribute to this, by way of a seed auction or personal donation, your more than welcome to help.

2/4/2010 9:37:48 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

It amazes me that people could turn this into what it is. "To many hands in the soup spoils the pot".

2/4/2010 10:04:41 AM

Ohio

I wasn't trying to start anything here guys, just trying to find out the reason behind why something as simple as donating money to help people that really needs it has to be so complicated,,,,
And Rons/ and the growers from Canada had a excellent idea of getting the money doubled, that would help out double the amount.
It just didnt make sense to me why it has to go through all the red tape to get that done to help out a country who really truly does needs help, and it wasnt like Ron or the Canadian growers was trying to pull a fast one on anyone ether, they just want the most money they can come up with to go to Haiti is all,,, plain and simple.

I looked for the web site but couldn't find the right one, the one Andy posted was the one I was looking for, thanks for posting that Andy!

Anyway, lets get together on this and help these people out, my heart goes out to the kids most of all, and who ever has kids you know what a gut wrenching feeling that gives you seeing another kid the same age as them going through that hell.

But how ever the money gets to them to help them out, then our goals as growers working together has been accomplished.(Just would be nice to get the money doubled by Canada's Government is all).

Eddy, cant say enough about what you do for people, I have run out of words talking about you over the years, to other growers through emails, face to face, and on this web site for the things you do to help people.

2/4/2010 10:41:53 AM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

geez windy city....have you ever mailed seeds to the US? I duno....federal offense....you might go to jail!!!

2/4/2010 10:52:35 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

Well said Brooks..Its about the helping hands. I also agree that nobody was willfully trying to defraud anyone. Yes Brooks it's gut wrenching to see kids that are your own Kids age, without food or clean clothing and without Mom Or Dad around.As if the emotional termoil isn't enough..these children need our help to get the basic needs. Food ,Clean water, clothing medicine.....I like to think that I'm just a big kid. a big kid over 6 feet lol! I can only imagine what they must be going through...Could just imagine if it where my children walking the streets on their own without me or my wife to protect them......

2/4/2010 10:55:21 AM

Fairfield,ct.

if i was involved in this mess i would donate the seed money to the people in new orleans.people are still living in the streets there.why arent we helping them?are they forgotten?

2/4/2010 11:33:44 AM

norway , maine

ughh...

2/4/2010 12:19:08 PM

Ohio

wow sperrog! you serious????,,
then get involved, start a seed auction and help them out in New Orleans, or quit complaining.

How about we help out the neediest people first that havent been donated to yet.

2/4/2010 12:38:30 PM

Fairfield,ct.

first of all brooks i am not complaining!i dont have a problem with helping out the people in haiti.all i am saying is that there is a lot of new orleans that is still not repaired yet...was there a relief fund for katrina?i will start a seed auction but i want you brooks to donate seeds.ok?

2/4/2010 1:02:27 PM

[email protected]

Windy City
Please forward me the name of the CIDA rep you talked to.
Because you are wrong and so is the info you received. If you give me a song and dance, and won't give me the name, then that tells me you never made the call.

2/4/2010 1:15:30 PM

Pemberton, BC

Just have a private Canadian citizen make the donation, plain and simple. Eddy has said he would, I believe he is trusted and respected by all on this site so it shouldn't be a big deal. The Canadian Govt. will in turn make $2000 into $4000, $3000 into $6000 etc.... We will all know where the money came from, the generous growers here on bp.com. Just seems silly to me too not take advantage of this.

Chad

2/4/2010 2:52:26 PM

Pleasant Hill, Or

Good for you Eddie, you always have been a very stand up guy and I respect you even more now for taking this stand!

The conduct displayed here by some is not becoming of pumpkin growers. I wish you would sign your names at the bottom of your posts and not hide behind your moniker. I would like to know who you are. I send seeds to just about every grower (or seems like) and would like to cross you off my list.

The idea and effort Ron has displayed here is nothing other than incredible and selfless. What good are you doing? You are making yourselves look like chumps and tearing apart the efforts of Ron.

Thad

2/4/2010 2:59:36 PM

Ohio

Sperog, with out question, you was definitely trying to make a negative comment out of this Haiti post.
and by asking why New Orleans isn't getting help also, is complaining and not took as a question .

All you had to do was 'google' and look up what has been donated over the years to New Orleans, instead of trying to make a negative out of some people trying to help raise funds for people in need in another country like Haiti.

And as far as donating seeds to your auction, I doubt it.

2/4/2010 3:15:02 PM

Connecticut

i didnt know you could read my mind brooks.do u know that there are parts of new orleans still needing repair ?appaarently not.alot of money that was suppose to go there never got there,which will be the same for haiti.i never said it wasnt a good idea to send them money.you have your opinion and so do i,so leave it at that.

2/4/2010 7:26:33 PM

Cologne Brescia Italy

hello, I would like to know if is possible to pay for the auction with paypal
Thanks
Sergio

2/5/2010 7:33:14 AM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

My hat's off to Ron for organizing this effort and Eddie for making sure the effort gets doubled. That is a real class act. The people in Haiti are in a desparate situation and any help that people can give them is wonderful.

To those complaining that New Orleans isn't fixed yet, you need to remember that at least everyone has food, shelter and medical care. Their basic services and a lot of the city is up and running. I know how bad it was: I spent 4 weeks inspecting Katrina cleanup for USDA in 2007. My coworker spent a total of 10 weeks in 2006 & 2007 down there. I was back there for a day last spring. And there still is much to do. The heart of Cedar Rapids is still a mess after the 2008 flood. It will take years to fix both of these cities. But they aren't in dire straits like Haiti.

2/5/2010 9:41:49 AM

Alberta

Because honesty is at the center of my argument I will post my findings.Eddy I did not ask the first lady at Cida her name...believing I would get the same answers I called again..this time I got a different lady (still no name)She told me that they are not policeman and she did not know the legality of it...she said it is their criteria that the donation must come from a Canadian individual(that is unchanged)so if you lie to the gov.you can not only get them to double what you donate you will be able to get a tax deduction for the amount donated(a reward for lying)

2/5/2010 2:35:29 PM

Alberta

The lady did forward my calls to Krista House'a aswering machine and when she did'nt call back,they forwarded me to Kevin Tokar's answering machine..so I am still waiting for answers on the legality...as I talk with lawyers most days ...I asked one his opinion...here is his take...When Ron sends you the money(remember he collected it in the name of charity)if he sends it to you an individual(leaving Ron to explain why he never sent it to a charity)

2/5/2010 2:44:54 PM

Alberta

Ethics...hmmm

2/5/2010 2:46:47 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Good Job Ron keep up the good work!

2/5/2010 3:03:54 PM

[email protected]

If you would like, please talk to Krista, I did, she called me at 4:12 pm local time yesterday, I have discussed at length with her, the grounds for donations, I did mention the auction. Please confirm if you like, and her and I are both on the same page. Any and all donations made through me will be 100% legit. Please confirm with her that I also discussed the money's coming from US, or other country's.
I find it very disapointimg, that you would take food and water out of the mouths of the needy, but you would mention ethics and lawyers in the same posts.
I have 0 (zero) respect for people like you.

2/5/2010 3:25:04 PM

Mulino, Oregon

Windy City how about posting your name so we can all cross you off our seed trade list. Why is it when someone has a great idea to help other people,there always seems to be someone waiting in the weeds to pounce? I'm not sure what your personal motives are here, WC, but rest assured they are not good and will not go unnoticed. I have donated to this auction of free will and will support it how ever I can. Thank you Ron, and everyone else who has contributed, for your efforts! Hat's off to Eddy, first one's on me at Niagara Eddy!

Jim Sherwood

2/5/2010 3:45:44 PM

Alberta

My name is Ray Beaudin Jim...You and Thad feel free to cross me off your lists...There is no personal motives here and I am not trying to hide anything...I just have a very different view on how one should raise funds.Why not have two auctions if you want double the funds..why the lies an misrepresentation....its simply not needed..

2/5/2010 4:05:40 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Amounts raised from fundraising events undertaken to raise money from INDIVIDUALS in response to the earthquake are eligible. This fundraising may be undertaken by clubs, social groups ( that's us )

Eddy took the initiative to have donations sent to him in response to the earthquake. No lies or misrepresentation, I don't know how it could be more clear.

2/5/2010 4:43:30 PM

Alberta

Good Lord...not you to Andy...The wording is Canadian individuals....I give up!

2/5/2010 4:50:46 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

1.The Government of Canada will match dollar for dollar the contributions of individual Canadians ( Eddy ) to registered charities in support of humanitarian, recovery, and reconstruction efforts in response to the earthquake in Haiti.

Registered charities will use the donations received from individual Canadians ( Eddy )

2. Which donations are eligible to be matched?

•made by an individual Canadian ( Eddy )
amounts raised from fundraising are eligible
This fundraising may be undertaken by clubs, social groups ( Big Pumpkins, GVGO )

Prime Minister Harper has spoken to President Obama by phone to ensure that Canada is coordinating its efforts with those of the United States to ensure a coherent response. ( I just added that for gravy )

Ray, donations are coming from generous people on both sides of the border, no where does it say that donations from outside Canada are not eligible.

2/5/2010 5:08:20 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

* To clarify the last sentence
donations made to a Canadian who is fundraising for the humanitarian, recovery, and reconstruction efforts in response to the earthquake in Haiti.

2/5/2010 5:11:07 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Windy City you can't actually believe the stuff your saying. I think what Ron is doing is awesome, so why are you gonna try to make a simple process hard.

If you called the people who are in charge of the match program and they don't respond to your calls or answer you back then I guess that its not really important to them and nothing unethical is going on. However if you feel that it's your civic duty to make trouble then please take that someplace else. I swear I've never seen this type of attitude given towards a person that's trying to help some destitute people....And Sperog the same goes to you...Helping people is what separates people from the animals..
You've expressed your point so leave it at that, stop making things hard for Ron and the donors...You've never even offered to help out,. All you've been doing is giving everyone a lesson on "Windy Cities ethics 101." Not to mention that there are no improprieties taking place I have complete confidence in these people, that there doing the right thing.

2/5/2010 5:29:19 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Oh and Windy City if you plan on giving any money to be matched by the Canadian Gov. Make sure you have a copy of your birth Certificate and proof of citizenship if thats whats needed. After all you wouldn't want to be doing anytbhing unethical....

2/5/2010 5:32:41 PM

Rhode Island

eddie
your right a few more trips to this post and im gonna have to change my outlook ---lol
as someone who raises funds each and every year for charity i am very happy there are more people like you and ron and a lot less of the others.
of course that can be said for the pumpkin growing community at large. only a few tend to get under your skin.
its alls well that ends well though.
pap

2/5/2010 5:47:43 PM

North Smithfield, RI

So in a nutshell, How do people like us who don't compete in the auction contribute ?

2/5/2010 5:48:04 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

GeoD, in the location column,(where lots of folks list their home town) here on the message board, the ICEMAN lists his email addy. Contact him and he will prbly let you know. Peace, Wayne

2/5/2010 6:07:51 PM

Minnesota

You buy your club a Bigpumpkins.com banner. Then you get on bigpumpkins and urge all the other clubs to get out there and purchase a Bigpumpkins.com banner, I know of only two that have them, New York and St'Croix Growers. After being laid off it does'nt take much for me to be outbid at the auctions.

2/5/2010 6:12:11 PM

Connecticut, USA

Enough name calling. He is just expressing his opinion. We are all trying to help the people in Haiti in the best way we now how. Don't hold grudges, just move on.

2/5/2010 7:40:21 PM

(rocky) Bonney Lake Wa.

When I set out to put this thing together it was because I put myself in those shoes and how I would hope someone would help me and the kids So with that being said I want to send my deepest thanks to the people whom have donated because with out the seeds it is a little tough to have an auction. Also The Wiz and the RMGVG for letting me use this date a day before there auction I really hope that everyone joins in and helps there auction on saturday as well. Also I want to give a HUGE thank you to Tom Previtera, John Vincent, Thad Starr and of course Eddy not only for there donation but for there rock solid support and again with out a doubt the people whom have donated. When I sent out the list I was thinking man if I get just half of these I would be happy but as you all have seen this is quite the line up it at times left me starring at the computer in awe!! So again Thank you

2/5/2010 7:41:09 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Yikes! GrowEmBig! Well said Ken D. as usual.

2/6/2010 6:05:45 PM

North Smithfield, RI

Thanks Wayne !

2/7/2010 2:47:57 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Geo, I dint get to contribute thru the auction either, but I sent a paypal contribution to Eddy, so it would recive it's doubling!!! I am sure that the paypal link thru Eddy Z, Iceman..is still open for contributions, that will still do the doubling thing!!...I just wish I had the the ballZ to say..."tough shit"!! Peace, Wayne
PS. Ken, please don't ban me!!! LOL

2/9/2010 12:47:44 AM

Taylorsville, California

I just want to add, and maybe its putting my ass on the line,,but i know Ray Beaudin(Windy City) and he is a good man, an honest man, and a very generous & caring man. Whether you agree with him or not you should respect the mans opinion as a tax paying Canadian citizen. Don't try to blackball a person, to kick the man while he is down because he made his opinion known and it wasn't popular. Ray is a good man and I for 1 won't let him be ripped because he has an opinion,,Much respect to all and great job helping a nation in need, great deed done by all involved. Peace and respect to all,,

Auston

2/11/2010 1:56:44 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Auston, I totally respect Ray for his courage to stand up for what he believes is right!!! I just think that he is wrong!!! Sorry if that sounds harsh, but there is so much waste in government spending...USA & I would guess Canada too...that to try and stop this generous gift, to the needy folks in Haiti, is/was a poor choice of battles to fight in a public forum!! JMHO...Peace, Wayne
PS...Ray, I hope ya grow a Slunger!!!

2/11/2010 11:58:28 PM