www.CostaRicaTicas.com

As one of the few who actually contribute who have expressed an opinion. I would not mind a change of course if the Board who over see's this thinks it's necessary otherwise carry on. If this happens my other emphasis in the States is the elderly and Vets. I would not let the people who choose Not to contribute scare us away from a good cause. I would however listen to all but believe the decision on what to do be made by those directly involved. No offense intended.

I am really happy to see the responses. Perhaps I have misunderstood some of them so this entry is written to clarify what I thought was an agreed upon goal or rule. I must have been too presumpuious.

My belief is that a fundamental GIVEN, a simple fact of process, is NEVER to mention CRT or anything related to mongering in the transaction of giving.

It doesn't matter to whom we later decide to give, there should be no connection between CRT (and the hobby) and a charitable gift.

I live here and enjoy my hobby. Nearly every Costa Rican man I know enjoys our hobby as well but they all keep their hobby very, very private and discrete. From my observation, one of the main differences between a Costa Rican man and some -- and I stress only some mongers, whose actions reflect on all Gringos - is the concept and practice of delicacy, of prudence, cautiousness and reticence to parade and exhibit one’s hobby horse.*

In other words, having at least one liaison here is a way of life for most men and some women, but it is all private and the existence of which is unspoken. Everyone knows it but it is NOT flaunted. It is quiet and disconnected from the rest of a hobbyist’s life.

There is NO way that there could be any association between CRT as an informal membership organization and the act of giving regardless of whomever it is we finally decide to be the recipient. It is not only culturally inappropriate for the national consciousness, it would back fire and do exactly what a couple of you had mentioned – give the appearance of an apology.

Just to confirm what I think everyone believes: regardless of any other decision:

GOAL (or RULE) #1: No attention can be drawn, no mention or association can be made which connects CRT, mongering or anything resembling our hobby and the action of charitable giving.

We need to decide who will be the recpients later, but right now, do you agree with the above GOAL?


* NOTE: When I take my special friend out for a meal, the mall and/or the movies, she likes to parade me around as if I am some prize catch. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Well stated.



The GOAL, I would agree. It is anonymous with no interaction with the charity (other than writing a check). I support giving to charity and applaud the advise that no part of the goal include reference to an attempt to influence the hearts and minds of the non-hobbiest.

I second the motion of Rule #1

There has been a motion and a second to accept Rule #1 as state above. Any opposition to the motion?

If none, the motion will pass and we can move forward. Let us give a few days for anyone who may object, to object.

DC

CRT Members....

I have to admit that I am somewhat confused. I thought that the issue of CRT being named in the donation was settled long ago, and it was not to be named in any way.

Originally, I just wanted to give some toys to Ch*ldren for Christmas. We accomplished that, along with school supplies. Others wanted to donate, and did. Am I supposed to feel guilty because I wanted a Ch*ld to have a pleasant diversion, if only for a moment?????? I did not, do not, and never will.

It is now my desire that I will no long be involved in how the funds are disbursed. I have become more a of a hindrance, than a help, in this process. Some new blood may give others the trust, and confidence, that should surround this fund.

It also appears that most do not want to help Ch*ldren. I'm fine with that as this is a group fund. For me, I will always be able to help Ch*ldren in need personally, both in CR, and the US.

I will PM the other four original "board" members and state this to them also. I would recommend DiegoC as a possible person "disbursement coordinator" since he is in country, and appears to have a passion for giving. I have been in touch with him over a period of time, and feel good that he would do right with the funds.

Thanks to all, for not only your donations, but your input.

Hopefully, I will see some of you next week in CR and we can laugh, hoist a few drinks, and tell some lies.

Steve- Santas Bro

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It's not the size of the wand that put the rabbit in the hat, it's the magic in it!!!

Steve I was in because of you, if your out I request as the group offered a refund! I can write a check to the K*ds myself, Please refund my funds as well and I will just do my own thing as well.

Thank You and thanks for your big heart, sorry this has turned stressful for you!

Had to bump the post
I am reading this over again, lots of good ideas in the works

17,379 users as of Jan 08 2009 I think everyone should give a buck

Maybe part of the money can go to "Earthquake Relief".

The only problem is that we would have to donate to some "non-for-profit" organization who will pocket 90% of the money for administrative costs.

Is there any way to help out victims themselves? How about buying goods? Building materials? Food?

Just a thought here after doing some reading about Red Cross efforts in the effected region. The Red Cross is always in need of donations and does a fair job of dollar to relief ratio, but I think the best option for the CRT group would be to step up donations to existing orphanages as they will more than likely feel the effects from any domestic donations.

Being new here, not sure how and where to send funds, feel free to PM me with info.

PB

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I would rather import a Pit Viper, than marry a Russian.

Phucking KGB is always following me.

Go ahead and run with scissors, I don't care!

Stay away from K*ds. Intentions may be good, but bad idea given the nature of our hobby.

I know this is for the orphanage
but given the earthquake a few bucks to the local Red Cross can not hurt
more later

The concern voiced with donating to an orphanage has been administrative overhead, lack of control is what project the money is used for and keeping CRT name out of any involvement with Ch*ldren to avoid misunderstanding of intentions.

I do not know how big a percentage administrative expenses are in the Cruz Roja in CR. I do know they work their butts off for the country and beside providing disaster relief service as in the U.S. in CR they provide rescue services, paramedics, ambulance service
and other things that the RC in the states is not involved in.

They have to sponsor a lottery, deliver phone books hoping for a donation from the recipients and other things to help support their work.

I think any help we could provide would be well spent helping Ticos of all ages in getting over this disaster.

Check out their web site for more info about them. It gives the bank account numbers contributions can be made to to help the earth quake victims

www.cruzroja.or.cr/

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

I agree with all the above posts. Orange has given me a link to a solid not for profit group that does good work. I'm all for helping ALL the people of CR. My thinking reguarding the orphanage was that they recieve local gifts as well as international.

IMHO, in order to be charitible one must be selfish first. Simply put, if I send multiple donations to different orginizations, I'm doing it for myself first. Even if it is not appreciated by the recipent makes no difference to me. With that said, a trusted not for profit is a must.

_________________
I would rather import a Pit Viper, than marry a Russian.

Phucking KGB is always following me.

Go ahead and run with scissors, I don't care!