An eye opener!!

[Jmgcurve]

Man, this week has been great. It was my first time to watch the St. Jude’s Auction. Yes, I said watch mostly because I was not prepared for what happened here, and from searching this incredible giving has been going on all along.

I have been a member for a while, but not very active (for that I apologize), and setting on the sidelines. Heck, for a year or two while getting some additional college work out of the way, I did not even log-on.

My wife and I, unprepared, began to follow the auctions this past week, and watch the generosity and giving nature of folks with usually very high moral character. Yes, this describes traditional archers to a tee—people that want more challenge in their lives. Anyway, back to my point. I bought a couple of small items to help, but did not donate anything; however, after watching we both commented that will be corrected next year. We have been blessed, and even though we give and help through our church, we can do more! Maybe not 1k llc more, but more.

I applaud everyone that was involved from those that probably lost a lot of sleep while keeping the system running to the last person that bought something for the least amount of money.

“…suffer not the little children”

When does next year start?

[Whip]

You've discovered one of the most enjoyable parts of being a member here on Trad Gang. The auction is one of the highlights of the year, and it is great fun to donate, bid, or just follow along.

Most people I'm sure support charities of one type or another throughout the year, and that is great - they all need our support to whatever extent we can help.  

But I can't think of any charity fun raiser that gives so much back to the participants!  I have never written a check to any other organization that has given me the pleasure that participating in the St. Jude auction here does every year!  

It seems like this year there were a lot of new people who discovered the fun for the first time, and like yourself, are very likely to share the excitement when the time comes around again next year.

[frank bullitt]

I totally agree with said. But also would say, no matter the cause or recepient, the folks here are very giving of time, support, help, and $s.

Human Spirit is alive here, yearound!    

I know personally, having received and given from folks here for years!

The Family is Good!

[Mudd]

Thank you Michael for your insightful post.

I have also thought about this place we call our cyber home.

Each of us originally came here for our own reasons.I can only guess that was because of our desire to link up with like minded people who launch arrows with bows the same as ourselves.

Maybe we learn something or maybe we think we can share something that we think might be helpful to someone else.
In the end these things do happen but as added and almost equally important thing happens... we learn something about ourselves.
We get the opportunity to see if we really are who we think we are?

Can I read about something that is as important as the St Judes' auction and do nothing.

I found I could not.

In the past I could have read this same thing and thought to myself "that's a nice thing those people are doing" but never do more than that.
 
But Tradgang.Com and more specifically the people here have had a positive impact on my life and I am a different person for it.

You my friend are one of those people that helps change all of our lives for the better because you are willing to put yourself out there for us to know.
Some will do this also, some will not and that's ok too... but life is richer for everyone when we do.

That is this man's opinion and worth every cent you'd have to pay for it if I were charging for it..lol

Thank you!!!! and thank all of you!!!
God bless,Mudd

[LoweBow]

JMG,
Your post is almost word for word exactly what I wanted to post up yesterday.  My situation has been exactly the same as yours and my wife and I had the exact same conversation.
I told my good buddy KentuckyTJ just yesterday that I'd deffinately be donating a bowfishing trip for 2 next year for Ohio River bighead carp along w/ some other suprises from my wifes Greek kitchen.

I'm humbled by the morality and compassion of the people on this site.  
Mike

[pronghorn23]

I donate things every year and bid on things as well. I find part of the fun is checking the items you donated and seeing how high the bids are.

I didn't win anything this year but did make sure Whip contributed a little more...  

[Steve Clandinin]

First off,welcome aboard and welcome to the family of some of the most Knowlegeable,dedicated,funny and most caring people in the world.I for one am Humbled to be part of this Fraternity.The friendships alone you will create are mind boggling.This was brought to me in spades.I met one of our members this past month all the ways from Italy and we welcomed each other with a big embrace ,like long lost brothers ,because of our mutual love for Trad archery and bowhunting.I've invited two other members to bowhunt with my son and I in northern Alberta.We haved talked on the phone and corresponded for many hours planning and dreaming of our hunt,yet we haven't met.You are right the generosity of St.Judes and our committement to each other shows what TradGang is all about.Steve Clandinin.

[magnus]

Mudd hit the nail for me. I too used to think what others did was nice but never got involved. Now I think what else can I do? The people on this site are the best and truely bring out the best in each and everyone of us! The more you get involved in this place the more you "I" grow. Thank you to all of you!
Magnus

[NorthernCaliforniaHunter]

This site has busted my heart wide open on so many occasions I can't help but check in on it daily. It's like hugging the family before going to bed at night.

Tradgangers give what they can, from $ to St.Jude's to an attentive ear for a fellow in need of advice. We do what we can when we can, and God willing are blessed with an abundance to shine in our charity.

Personally, I give what I can when I can, and sometimes I can only give good will and a grateful heart. Don't be fooled by the "value" of your gifts of compassion or love, for sometimes the smallest token delivered at the right moment can be life-altering to the recipient, and more likely than not you won't be aware of the profound impact you are having. Keep the heart open and do good for the sake of it.

Bene agere et laetari.


Juan

[BobW]

Had to put this here too:

An interesting, and fitting quote:

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

To everyone who was a part of the auction this year:      

p.s. - note the "edit" to my signature line.

[Whip]

Originally posted by pronghorn23:
I donate things every year and bid on things as well. I find part of the fun is checking the items you donated and seeing how high the bids are.

I didn't win anything this year but did make sure Whip contributed a little more...      

You sure did have me nervous there at the end Todd!  Got so bad I bid against myself!  

[Shedrock]

My first time also. I could not believe the generosity of the folks here. I'll admit, I even had some tears.

I bid against myself also. I could really use the money myself, but the kids need it more.

I'll be donating an antler lamp next year. I would have this year, but sold out, and didn't have time to build one quick.

You folks rock!

[longarrow]

Alot of people spend some time and personal effort to make this auction happen. TG'ers give excellent support to kids!!! Thanks to all!!!

[pronghorn23]

The cool thing to is now you get a whole year to set things aside for the auction or to make things like arrows, knives, turkey calls, armguards, and all sorts of good stuff.

[Chris Shelton]

I think all of us know what its like to want to grow up to be a ______!  But like a lot of you I just can't imagine just wanting to grow up . . .

I know I would want help if I was a child with cancer, or if my children got cancer . . . etc.  

Tradgang definitely stepped up!!!!  

so thanks for being good people:)

[Jmgcurve]

My wife and I went out of town for the weekend, and returned today. Thanks for the comments guys; although, it was not written for replies, but rather how I felt. Food for thought outloud if you will.

As I tell my 5th graders quite often: Science Rocks, but in this case--TradGangers Rock!