O/T 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle for Tornado victims $10

[JasonD08]

Shane and Pete

Thanks so much. I am looking forward to getting back down there and helping physically as well. We have a few more late ones just come through and I will send those Monday. All in all it looks like I will have a nice little amount to help with thanks to gracious contributors.

Jason

[Rich Klein]

That is 10 minutes of my life I would like back

1) Jason probably meant well. His point was to sell cards to us, to raise money and time to help people physically and financially devasted by a recent natural disaster. The problem is, unless you work directly WITH an agency and let them do the selling, there is no way for "US" to get the tax writeoff.

2) He brought up that a 52 Mantle MIGHT be part of the raffle. Frankly, IMHO, the card either *IS* or *IS NOT* part of the raffle. I can understand why anyone is uncomfortable about making a $3K donation without really having a way to document on their taxes, Eventually, the agreement was this card should be part of the whole deal. We may not have gotten their the way we wanted to,,,, but we got the right ending.

3) I sent out a check for 3 packs and will probably send out another check for some more packages. To me, since I don't get the tax writeoff, this is a cool grab bag, nothing more nothing less and a nice way to get some new stuff to look at. Since I don't like the Topps "giveaway" this year, I'm buying very little at the retail stores -- much to the gless of the wife and MIL

4) Leon, next time stay strong with not letting most charitable things come on the board. I asked you, and respect the reasons I was turned down, for asking for items for my synagogue's yearly auction. (I can provide tax receipts immediately so its legit) and having done a turn as treasurer this year, when we have to raise money every years to keep the doors open, the job turned my hair an extreme shade of grey. (Still have about one week to accept items )


Regards
Rich

[carrigansghost]

Nicely put Mr. Klein. I can say that I too have sent to this cause. I do agree with these types of solicitations being allowed here. I will not need the tax deductions from such donations as I don't make any money to speak of anyway.

I notice a hint of a background story that is bugging you about a similar type of fund raising. I have no idea if a disaster hit your synagogue or not, had it, I would be more than happy to contribute. A church or synogoue or my sick grandfather, who I'm sure has a shoebox full of cards , is not a fundraiser that I'm comfortable donating to, this was a natural disaster.

It is not a true donation, however. You are agreeing to purchase said items with the intent that the proceeds will be going to this effort. I would never ask for a tax receipt as I will have what I agreed to purchase soon.

If the building has suffered damage as a result of a disaster where many where left homeless, broken, or worse yet, dead, please let me know where to contribute.

Rawn

[JasonD08]

I can promise that I will be taking no deductions here. My reason for doing this was to help, not for write offs or anything else suggested as on CU. Rich got the check yesterday and cards shipped Monday.


Thanks
Jason

[Leon]

I get a lot of requests for doing charity stuff on the main page. I usually, begrudgingly have to say "no." This was a National disaster where there were people that got everything in their life wiped out and many family and friends lost their lives. A board member (could have been any board member) came to me and asked if I would help with it in letting him use the board to help raise donations AND he was putting a lot of skin in the game with his efforts. I made an exception to the rule. Rich's situation was an annual charity event and I had to say no. He did get to put it in the Water-cooler section.....but I do protect the front page a little bit, on purpose. It's certainly not personal and I hope everyone who I have had to say "no" to understands my position. It's not an enviable one. best regards

[batsballsbases]

Leon,
Its always tough being the man who has to make the final decision on any issue here, But I must say I believe you did the right thing here. Even if Jasons effort is just a drop in the bucket, but if we had a 1000 more "Drops in the bucket" like Jason the world would be a better place in my opinion. I commend you sir on your effort.

[novakjr]

Originally Posted by JasonD08

I can promise that I will be taking no deductions here. My reason for doing this was to help, not for write offs or anything else suggested as on CU. Rich got the check yesterday and cards shipped Monday.


Thanks
Jason

Why pass on the write-off? Sure, I understand the charity factor, and writing it off may feel like cheapening it. But honestly, do you think the government is going to do anything worthwhile with that money? I say write it off, and then donate what you'd gained from the write-off. It's kind of like the legal "Robin Hood" loophole.

[frankhardy]

Originally Posted by novakjr

Why pass on the write-off? Sure, I understand the charity factor, and writing it off may feel like cheapening it. But honestly, do you think the government is going to do anything worthwhile with that money? I say write it off, and then donate what you'd gained from the write-off. It's kind of like the legal "Robin Hood" loophole.

I have to say that I agree. Some people might have a problem with a tax write-off if that was your ONLY or MAIN motive for doing this. However, you motive is to help. I would at least write-off the many cards you donated. Why anyone would have a problem with a tax write-off is beyond me. I would much rather a fellow collector get the tax write-off then our government squandering it away.

[sycks22]

Got my package today and opened the '81 Fleer pack and thought "I'm pretty sure the Henderson is the highest valued card" and low and behold out pops Rickey. Pretty excited to get the best card in the set in my 1 pack. Thanks again.