Has Trad Gang gotten too large?

[Walt Francis]

Joe, YOU DONE GOOD......REAL GOOD!  Don't pay any mind to those who tell you different.

Terry,
There is no need for you to find anything new for the auction; you contribute more then your share already.  I have your pledge covered with a couple of donations.  They will get posted this weekend when I get home and am able to take some good pictures to post with the items.

[CoilSpring]

Deadbolt said, "Glad to see the (my) post got yanked..."

Perhaps one day you will have the wisdom to understand truly why it was yanked, but it will take a change in the way you think and in your attitude to gain that wisdom. For your sake and the many you help everyday as an EMT, I hope you seek that change.  I understand where you're coming from - I've been there; it's just no fun there all by yourself.
Take care,

[CoilSpring]

Perhaps one day...

Before i gave a bunch of my stuff away last year I considered this, but I was embarrassed about how hard my bows get used, even though I know they are all 100% other than the finish.  But then those who have them have done well with them, and could put them to good use.  However, I don't like to see anyone judging and arguing, it may discourage bidders, like me. I challenge anyone with a good 50 to 55 pound short left hand recurve to donate it.  If you got one I will be jumping all over it.

[pdk25]

pavan; You shouldn't be swayed one way or the other by discussions/arguments on this post.  Bid and/or donate if you think that is the right thing to do.  I'm done posting on this thread because I don't want it to be construed that I am against the auction or trying to convince others not to participate.

[30coupe]

I've never done anything with the St. Jude's auction in the past because I seem to be donating to some great cause every time I turn around, and there's only so much I can do on a teacher's salary. I am now two days away from retirement, meaning my income will drop to 65 percent of a teacher's salary. I do think St. Jude's is a wonderful cause, but I kept wondering as I read this entire post, what I could do about it.

I will try to find something to bid on, but funds will be limited. I finally figured out something to donate that I think will be a great item, and mine seems to be the only one listed. I'm putting up my copy of Primal Dreams! I have watched it a few times and probably could a few more, but it will do more good with someone else viewing it and the kids benefiting from it.

Thanks for the post Whip! I really wasn't all that committed until others started posting negative responses. I don't think St. Jude's is what Tradgang is all about at all, but I can't find it in my heart to see anything negative in your trying to do a good turn for children. I have three children, three grandchildren, and have taught hundreds of other children. I remember Danny Thomas's passion for St. Jude's when I was a kid watching him on black and white TV. What has always stuck with me is the fact that NO CHILD IS EVER TURNED AWAY! What could be more powerful than that?

On the positive side, even though the number of items may be lower, the donations have kept a pretty close pace. I joined in 2006. Since then we have 2.48 times as many members. In 2009 we donated 2.05 times as much as was donated in 2006. The number of members was about 2.13 times as many as in 2006. That's coming pretty close, considering the economy.

Keep up the great work guys and gals!

[Paul Mattson]

Wow! Just read six pages of posts, the only thought I can add to this; if you have a dime put it up for auction.  Someone will bid  a $1.00 on it.

[coaster500]

From Terry to Whip

"Since you posted this this morning, we have had the biggest listing day so far by far. 46 listings. The night is young, and lets see what else it brings..."

What ever works  

[just_a_hunter]

God bless you all, and God bless those kids..

Todd

Well it is true that we all can easily find people in need that could use a hand in many places, my experience with trad shooters is that they are the first to step forward to lend a needed hand, this is certainly one of those times.  I don't think anyone should feel bad about not having something to donate or if money is tight, they are limited in that way.  I can add this, once about thirty years ago, we did not have enough money to buy groceries.  A couple across the street came over, he tuned my little pickup because he heard it back firing. Noticing that money was tight for us, he handed me a twenty.  I told him that I would pay him back when I got paid.  He said no.  He got the twenty from a door to door salesman.  He was unemployed and told the salesman that he had no job and no money.  The salesman told him to give the twenty to someone else in need and to tell them to do the same for someone someday. Not bragging, but I am still giving that twenty dollar bill away and it keeps coming back.  If you cannot give this time, do what you can for whom ever, when you get the opportunity.  Times are tough right now for many and they may very well get worse. It is a good time for everyone to pull together and do what ever we can do to be the helping hand for someone in need.

[Hooked]

Man!  I am blown away by all the negative posts!  I read Whip's original post and just can't understand the way some people think!

Maybe my perspective is a little different than most.  My son has not been to St. Judes, but to Children's Mercy.  And they operate much the same way, in that no kid is turned away.  I just lost my job, but I know when Garrett has to go in for his third open heart surgery this Fall there wont be any questions about whether I can afford it or not.  They take care of the kids first and foremost!

If it was not for all the donations these facilities get then that would not be the case!

I can see where some folks may not want to participate for whatever reason, and that is their own decision. If ya don't want to or (due to circumstances) can't participate, then don't, you don't have to justify your decision to anyone! And no one is going to judge you one way or the other.  But, don't get on here and make negative comments about helping the kids!  Just keep them to yourself or pm Terry if ya have a problem.

[TheFatboy]

No one likes to be forced into something. Whether this is the case or not, only a narrow minded individual would "retain" his honor, at the cost of the lives of children.

One of my very favorite things is up for auction and should be just about the right size, I plan on dropping one big fat bid on it, if you plan on running the bid up on it, Todd, i hope it fits you.  Actually, come to think of it, you won't regret beating me if you get it, but whomever beats me will get my congratulations anyway.

[bow loving man]

Thanks Whip for the reminder, I too have a few things to list, just been busy!
If you know me, you know I am religious,it's my calling in life, and I praise the work of St Jude's! I have referred and helped several families to recieve care from them.  They are a wonderful organization and really do change lives through their research and care to children in need!  Let the bidding begin!!!!

[Eugene Slagle]

Unfortunatly I do not have anything that is worth donating for the St. Judes cause but as often as I can I donate $$$$ to them.

A few of my fellow club members are working hard to get the 1st Annual St. Jude VBA Charity shoot going, I would personally be there my self this year but my work has me working that Saturday but throught my club we are giving support & donations.

I understand this thread but some have to remember that not everyone can Donate due to the times we have today.

[Whip]

As I have already stated, my goal in starting this post was not in any way intended to make anyone feel guilty for not participating.  My simple goal was to increase the number of people who do get involved, and in no way would I think that everyone who visits here will do that.  

Heck, if only 5% of the people registered here would either donate something or get involved in the bidding we would be overwhelmed.  So if 95% of the people here are not in a position to help, or personally support other causes instead, or whatever the case might be, that is great!  No pressure, no guilt, just a simple nudge for those who may be so inclined.

I guess I really shook the bushes on this one.  I'm sorry if my thoughts offended anyone.  But the bottom line is that listings on the auction have picked up, and that gladdens my heart.  

Heck, I even rattled myself out of the bushes!  Went to the basement last night and found a couple more things that I hadn't been planning on listing, but will add them today.

[vermonster13]

Thank you to all that have found a way to donate. Page six is well under way. We need bidders too of course and the folks who do that are greatly appreciated. If you can't donate or bid there is always a need for folks to cheer(never under estimate the power of a good cheerleader!).

[Eugene Slagle]

Originally posted by Whip:
As I have already stated, my goal in starting this post was not in any way intended to make anyone feel guilty for not participating.  My simple goal was to increase the number of people who do get involved, and in no way would I think that everyone who visits here will do that.  

Heck, if only 5% of the people registered here would either donate something or get involved in the bidding we would be overwhelmed.  So if 95% of the people here are not in a position to help, or personally support other causes instead, or whatever the case might be, that is great!  No pressure, no guilt, just a simple nudge for those who may be so inclined.

I guess I really shook the bushes on this one.  I'm sorry if my thoughts offended anyone.  But the bottom line is that listings on the auction have picked up, and that gladdens my heart.  

Heck, I even rattled myself out of the bushes!  Went to the basement last night and found a couple more things that I hadn't been planning on listing, but will add them today.

You didn't do anything wrong because it is a great cause & the word should be out on the efforts but to some I see that the wording could have come across wrong & demanding.

I personally wish I could do more but I have nothing at home that I could donate to the gang here.

Next year I'll have some items to place on the auction block, I have a bunch of Hunt club buds that has some stuff that they can let go but I have to aske em.

[Terry Green]

Originally posted by TheFatboy:
No one likes to be forced into something. Whether this is the case or not, only a narrow minded individual would "retain" his honor, at the cost of the lives of children.

Thought that was worth reading again.

[Barney]

Good job Whip      

I'd have to admit, there's a few things on this site I don't care for but it's not my yard so I play by the rules. So I'll stick with that now and not say what I'd like. I will say.....If you think St. Judes auction is a religious auction.....you haven't been reading much or it's just selective reading. If you get anything at all from this site.....it wouldn't hurt ya to give a little.