A most difficult thread- helping a friend, Bill Hedin

[Leon]

Hey Folks
I am not sure where to start this so let me just dive right in. It was brought to my attention yesterday evening that Bill Hedin (Hi Bill) has been buying and selling cards on ebay during this time of tragedy in his life. While I of course have no issue with that there are members whose monies I have collected, for a memorial fund, to help Bill in his time of need. That being said it is up to each donor to have a peaceful feeling in their generous endeavor. I spoke with Bill this morning concerning the ebay activity and he told me he shares his account with 2 other relatives. I can't say what is the right or wrong thing to do in a time of tragedy, but it is my responsibility to let the board know what I know so each person can be comfortable with their decisions. Bill told me most of the buying and selling on his account was done by the relatives though a few things were for himself too. If anyone would prefer not to donate, who already has, they can email me at leonl@flash.net and I will do a refund for them. If a check is coming I will be glad to return it too. Please email me about any thoughts you have or for the polite refunds and ALL will stay confidential.

[barrysloate]

Leon and I have been talking pretty much all day, and since I initiated the drive to raise money for Bill, I feel it necessary to add a little something. I fully understand the concept of donating to a cause without any strings attached. But I did have a small string attached to mine: I wanted Bill to use the money to help pay for his wife's funeral expenses. I can't say that isn't where the money will go, but I distinctly remember seeing a post that Bill made stating he may have to sell his entire collection to pay for it. So when I found out this morning that he has been buying cards on a daily basis, I had a little bit of a knot in the pit of my stomach.

One can buy baseball cards even in a difficult time, there is no ethical line being crossed. But I didn't feel good when I heard this news. I think I will still give Bill the money I put into the fund for him. I do believe at least most of it will go where it was intended. But I know I would not have given it to him to buy baseball cards. That was not in the spirit of why I decided to help him out in the first place. I'm sure others will have different opinions, but that is mine.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I have spoken with Leon as well and know he is trying to do the right thing here. What concerned him was the large number of recent purchases, as can be seen in the following link (the last two pages, 3 and 4, are during the past week or so). And the issue is not whether Bill should continue to buy cards, but to put it bluntly, whether Bill was being truthful when he stated on the Board that he would have to sell his collection to pay for his wife's funeral expenses.

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...pleted=1&all=1

[dstudeba]

Most people have to continue their lives after a tragedy such as this. That Bill continues to run his business of buying and selling cards does not strike me as the least bit improper.

[kengoldin]

It is very sad to read this on the day before the funeral of his life partner. It is not the aggravation bill needs to deal with, especially with his own health issues.. I am not requesting my money back, however anyone is free to do as they please, and no judgement being made or suggested here. I would suggest that a time limit be placed (like today) as it would be a shame to see this held up.
Bill and his family are in my thoughts.

[Matthew H]

I gave mony hoping it will help him be able to continue without too much financial burden, and in hopes he can continue with some normality. After I have delt with so much death in the last five years, I have no problem contributing to such a cause.

If the community paying for Becky's funeral allows bill to continue buying some cards on eBay, I don't have a problem with that as my initial reason for the donation was in hopes for him to continue normalcy, without having to worry too much about funeral costs, of course, what I gave wouldn't have done that alone, it was the boards generosity that did such.

[T206Collector]

I think the Board's generosity is what people should remember about this particular episode. What Bill does with the money is, frankly, up to him -- and hopefully he will use it to further the interests of his family in this time of need.

[wake.up.the.echoes]

While this will mean absolutely nothing to most everybody on here, I am posting now to publically ask you (Leon) to delete my account from net54. Why? Because this thread makes me sick to my stomach. Vile. Why didn't I message you (Leon) in private to make this request? Frankly, because I would encourage other people to do the very same thing. My single withdrawal request might mean nothing, but maybe if enough people leave you won't be able to charge as much when you charge your advertisers for the right to send me unsolicited advertising emails.

Alan

My heart goes out to Bill and his family.

Edited to clarify the opinion I have stated: Just because I have been asked, I wanted to clarify my opinion, as stated. Bill Hedin should be free to distract himself in whatever manner he wishes during this terrible time in his life. I wish Bill Hedin and his family nothing but the best. My heart goes out to him in his time of need. If there were more people like Bill Hedin around here, I wouldn't have asked to leave the board in the first place. My request still stands. Thank you.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by wake.up.the.echoes

While this will mean absolutely nothing to most everybody on here, I am posting now to publically ask you (Leon) to delete my account from net54. Why? Because this thread makes me sick to my stomach. Vile. Why didn't I message you (Leon) in private to make this request? Frankly, because I would encourage other people to do the very same thing. My single withdrawal request might mean nothing, but maybe if enough people leave you won't be able to charge as much when you charge your advertisers for the right to send me unsolicited advertising emails.

Alan

Alan,
Your misgivings are so misguided I will just not comment. I wish the best for you and yours. If you leave you will never have to worry about the board anymore. As far as deleting your account, It won't happen as it would screw up too many threads. Happy collecting.

[Peter_Spaeth]

These are obviously difficult and delicate circumstances. But in light of what Bill said about his financial situation and the funds that were raised in response, $1200 of purchases in the past week justifies Leon raising the issue in my opinion.

[teetwoohsix]

Originally Posted by wake.up.the.echoes

While this will mean absolutely nothing to most everybody on here, I am posting now to publically ask you (Leon) to delete my account from net54. Why? Because this thread makes me sick to my stomach. Vile. Why didn't I message you (Leon) in private to make this request? Frankly, because I would encourage other people to do the very same thing. My single withdrawal request might mean nothing, but maybe if enough people leave you won't be able to charge as much when you charge your advertisers for the right to send me unsolicited advertising emails.

Alan

My heart goes out to Bill and his family.

Wow. You act like Leon started this thread for nefarious reasons-when it was Barry and Leon who started the project to help Bill in the first place. I read it as if Leon was just looking out for the board members, as he always does.
Thank you Leon for making tough calls-I'm sure this wasn't an easy thread to start-but you always look out for the board.

I still want my donation to go to Bill, and still send my deepest sympathies.

And thanks again for the great job you do here Leon.

Sincerely, Clayton

[benjulmag]

Originally Posted by teetwoohsix

Wow. You act like Leon started this thread for nefarious reasons-when it was Barry and Leon who started the project to help Bill in the first place. I read it as if Leon was just looking out for the board members, as he always does.
Thank you Leon for making tough calls-I'm sure this wasn't an easy thread to start-but you always look out for the board.

+1