A most difficult thread- helping a friend, Bill Hedin

[daves_resale_shop]

I am happy to have donated... Bill is dealing with an overwhelming situation... I am sure his wife was his top priority in life and memorabilia his second... given his great lost I can understand his gravitation toward cards...

If the $25 that I donated goes to 52 Topps high numbers, than so be it...

[Miconelegacy]

Bill Sorry to hear of your loss. I never have really come over to these boards, and really don't post on the PSA boards anymore. I know a lot of people left there to come here.

Anyway I wanted to reach out to you as I had my wife pass away last October 24th. I offer my deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to you and to your family.

I got beat up a bit about cards, but that was my escape, maybe it's yours to.

I'll learn how to message I guess, or feel free to message me when you want to. I can be just an ear or we can talk cards or whatever.

God Bless,

Mike Kelley

[novakjr]

I'm pretty much of the same opinion as most of the later posts. I also am one to use collecting as an "escape". Even the smallest purchases can brighten up a day, or even a week, when nothing else seems to be going right.

Now as far as the allocation of the money. In the ultimate scheme of things, what's the difference what the money "directly" goes towards, as long as the Funereal expenses are paid, without being too much of a financial burden on Bill. Wasn't that the point of the donations? The money is either directly, or indirectly, still helping pay for those expenses..

My sincerest condolences for your loss, Bill. Good luck, and keep your head up..

[ullmandds]

I'm not really sure what to think here?! I don't know Bill at all...other than what I've seen of him on this site. But I do know...that we have discussions on this board all of the time revolving around needs...vs wants in life...and I think all of us would agree that if there was a need in our lives...our card collecting funds would have to be diverted to address those needs...no question about it!!!!

And I also understand that we all seek comfort in times of despair/suffering?!

But I donated $$$$ under the impression that Bill was in financial dire straits and this $$$$ would go towards paying for necessary arrangements.

If I knew my donation was going to go towards buying bb cards...there is no question...I would not have donated!

It seems Bills oldest daughter the good doctor could probably have helped?

After reading Bill's story I was heartbroken...now...I feel kinda used!

Sorry...but this is how I feel!

[novakjr]

Wow! Did I read the total amount donated correctly in the other thread? around 5k? Although I, myself, wasn't able to contribute(due to my own current financial mess), I must say that your guys' generosity makes me proud to be a member of this board...

Now before too many people get bent up about some purchases, we have no idea what the total amount of these expenses were/are. Or how much help Bill may have needed. It was basically a blind donation, with no set goal. I think that was the point, to help Bill as much as possible with these expenses and beyond. Were y'all expecting change if the total cost was exceeded?

Keep in mind that I don't think that there's a right or wrong way to view the situation. I won't judge anyone who disagrees. This is just my take..

[Peter_Spaeth]

Even if other people feel like Peter Ullman, I doubt many are going to say it, but I think his point of view is legitimate and well-stated and with due regard for the obvious sensitivities of the situation. As previously stated, the issue is not Bill's baseball card purchases. Nobody is judging him for that, or should. The issue, and there is no way to say this delicately, is whether the premise behind Leon's and Barry's very thoughtful fundraising -- Bill's statement that he would have to sell his collection to finance his wife's funeral -- was true. Nobody except Bill knows, but Leon was certainly right to inform people that the slew of ebay purchases at least raised a question. Many people might have contributed even if they had not thought it was a matter of dire need, but I suspect that others would not have.

[Matthew H]

Peter, that's fair, but it's good advice to not give based on condition. If I were worried about intentions, then I'd not do it. Giving without condition is sincere, IMO, and to look at it from another perspective, some of us might think that raising certain questions will taint the gift we gave, without condition, to help someone in a difficult time.

-Matt

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Even if other people feel like Peter Ullman, I doubt many are going to say it, but I think his point of view is legitimate and well-stated and with due regard for the obvious sensitivities of the situation. As previously stated, the issue is not Bill's baseball card purchases. Nobody is judging him for that, or should. The issue, and there is no way to say this delicately, is whether the premise behind Leon's and Barry's very thoughtful fundraising -- Bill's statement that he would have to sell his collection to finance his wife's funeral -- was true. Nobody except Bill knows, but Leon was certainly right to inform people that the slew of ebay purchases at least raised a question. Many people might have contributed even if they had not thought it was a matter of dire need, but I suspect that others would not have.

I don't know Bill at all and for that reason did not donate. I feel that my Net54 friends are both friends and strangers. I have no doubt that most of you would be friends were we to meet, but I would not expect anyone here to donate funds on my behalf were I in a similar situation. However if I should pass, I would hope that all of you would be willing to pay fair market value for my collection. My wife would appreciate that.

Having made that statement, my condolences sincerely are extended to Bill and his family.