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[Goalie]

In talking with Mapleshade earlier, it was discussed about how fast we were able to raise the funds neccessary to get Assumed Risk to his new home. She brought it to my attention that maybe we should have a place to be able to fundraise for when there isn't a crisis so that we may have a kitty to be able to tap into for when the needs arise.

I am waiting patiently for her to come on line and explain her thoughts and ideas more on this.

I would like opinions on this from our members.
For example I have a couple of western saddles that I would be willing to part with for $25.00 each plus shipping and have that money go into an account for when it would be needed.

any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[SarahK]

Just a thought. This is Sarah's mom, Margaret. I have dozens of my embroidered pictures about and would certainly be able to donate one if there were an auction for art type things. We are a pretty talented group in the arts and crafts department.

[Amy]

I think it's a great idea! In fact, I'd like to be the first to donate money when we get everything in place. Since I was going to donate $40 towards shipping Assumed Risk and we got enough money before I had the chance, I'll put that here!

[MapleShade]

Margaret- yes that's exactly right! However, I'm thinking flat sales not auction.

So, I'll just share my whole thought process in the hopes that it'll help me make more sense. Please bare with me!

The situation with Risk today really got me thinking.
Here are the facts:
We have a huge untapped resource in regards to rescue and donation. There are many highly generous and compassionate people here exracers. There are also many people who really have a finger on high risk and well deserving horses. There are people capable and willing to home horses. Sometimes people on BOTH sides of the equation have stretched their resources a bit too far for comfort. Many people are willing to help.

Here's what I'm thinking:
I think it's amazing what people did to help Risk. So many people are willing to step up to help a horse and help jenarby and sabovee help the horse. What I'm suggesting is not in any way intended to override or bypass how that came to be (Jen posted a call for help and people answered). What I'm suggesting would be in addition to situations like we just saw with Risk.

The Guts:
How about a forum where we gather money that will be available in a situation like we just experienced with Risk? We could donate items as we choose. People could buy those items when they need them. It's a win/win. The donor feels good about helping. The buyer gets an item they need AND the money goes to help an at risk or needy horse.

For example:
I'll use myself as an example. I make jewelry. Selling jewelry is slow going right now. I have just spent the last year in financial detestation due to an unemployed hubbie and costly litigation. Horse sales have also been slow. So, basically I'm broke. It feels horrible to not contribute to these causes in the way I'm accustomed to. I don't like it one bit. However, I have jewelry to contribute. I also have some unused tack. THAT is what I can contribute. So, I can donate jewelry. I feel good. If someone wants a present for them self or someone else they can buy my jewelry and they are getting the product and the satisfaction of knowing they helped a horse. It also gives me an opportunity to get some jewelry out there so it's being seen and enjoyed. Everyone wins in this situation!

possible rules and problems:
This is a very cool idea (lol...IME ;D) . It'll be difficult to implement. Someone would have to set up teh fund and be in charge of teh money. The mods would have to use their discretion as to what's going to be listed and how the money will be used. That will all be a lot of work. One suggestion I have is money that is used to place a horse that is for resale should be repaid by the recipient of the horse when it's sold. An additional donation should be HIGHLY recommended. I think it should also be possible to just do a flat donation to the fund. It would be very exciting for us all to see it grow. As well as watch the reports and progress of the horses that the fund has helped. I can see this getting big if we can pull it off. If so, it would also be an exciting tool to promote the well being and second careers of racers all over!

So, I'll start off. I would like to donate up to 3 necklaces a month. They can be seen at theorchard.etsy.com . I can do custom work and have many that aren't listed so donations are not restricted to what's listed on the site. Earrings and bracelets are also an option.

[MapleShade]

Amy- wicked cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jenarby]

I think it's a great idea! I will have to see what tack stuff I have in my trunk that I don't use....or maybe I can sew up some tail braider bags. I'm not the best seamstress but they work well on my own horses.

[NancyL]

When you get the fund mechanism set up, count on me for a monthly paypal donation. I can donate other items too when we figure how to administer. I agree resale projects definitely need to reuimburse the fund.

[Goalie]

yes all we need to do is figure out the basics and go from there.

I also have the book....

Beyond the Track that I would be willing to sell for someone for the low cost of $10.00 + shippping.

I already have a checking account in exracers.com for the calendar sales and will talk to my accountant on Monday to see how we can use that to make this work. I can get a debit card for it and mapleshade has agreed to help me set up a paypal account too. so i guess i am saying that if all are willing I would be happy to be the banker for exracers.

[MapleShade]

Terri you would be the best banker! You are such a careful person. Fort Knox couldn't do it better!

[Luci]

Aren't people using paypal to buy the calendar? Is there already an exracer paypal? This is such a wonderful group of people. I'm so pleased I can be a part.

[nybabyz]

Goalie - I would be interested in a saddle, if one of yours would fit my horses. I don't ride western often, but for that price, I could affod to have one that isn't used much! Can you tell me more about them?

[niaru]

Thank you Terri the banker!
That is a great idea. I have a few items to donate too, equestrian and jewelry.

Should we list the items on here? To start, I can donate:
- selected jewelry (I'll make a note for them in my etsy store (www.clairesgems.etsy.com) - you can tell me which ones you think I should donate, lol!
-Griffin Nuumed sheepskin 1/2 pad, size M, good condition, would fit 16.5" saddles
- black leather cob-size longeing caveçon
- various saddle pads
- fly sheet and turnouts (since some of them did not follow Lulla to her new owner)
- horsey books
- black ROMFH full seat, stretch cord dressage breeches, side zip, size 0, as new

I know I have more stuff, I'll make a specific inventory today.

[Goalie]

Mar 14, 2009 0:11:53 GMT -5 nybabyz said:

Goalie - I would be interested in a saddle, if one of yours would fit my horses. I don't ride western often, but for that price, I could affod to have one that isn't used much! Can you tell me more about them?

they are old but in very good condition saddles. Let me get them out of the tack room and I will take some pics of them and you can decide if you want one or not.

Luci, no I don't have a paypal account for the calendars. I wasn't too sure of how it worked so I just let CafePress deal with all the payments toward the calendar.

Y'all are the greatest.

let's start new threads with what you have to sell and then we can modify them once the items are sold.

[intrepidfox]

I know this adds a layer of complexity initially, but I think it would be beneficial to either set up a 501(c)3 or work through a 501(c)3 (like The Field - www.thefield.org/ - does for artists). That way the fund's purchases could be tax-exempt (considerable savings on some things) and donations (of all kinds) would be tax-deductible.

Setting up an organization will also protect individuals from liability, including tax liability (an individual who holds the bank account could be responsible for taxes on money coming into it), and liability associated with activities the fund supports.

Also perhaps some very clear rules and procedures for how money will be spent. What constitutes a worthy project? What if not all donors agree about how the money should be disbursed -- is it up to a vote?

IME time spent organizing and planning inevitably saves time and heartaches down the road, especially where money is concerned.

Just some thoughts.

[tbrescue]

Mar 13, 2009 20:34:12 GMT -5 Goalie said:

yes all we need to do is figure out the basics and go from there.

I also have the book....

Beyond the Track that I would be willing to sell for someone for the low cost of $10.00 + shippping.

I already have a checking account in exracers.com for the calendar sales and will talk to my accountant on Monday to see how we can use that to make this work. I can get a debit card for it and mapleshade has agreed to help me set up a paypal account too. so i guess i am saying that if all are willing I would be happy to be the banker for exracers.

I'd love to have this book, and contribute to the fund too. I'm sure I've got some items I can donate too, just need to look around.
Goalie, once you have your paypal acct set up, let me know. Also need to know shipping $$ to 02169. Thanks