Some Sad News

[Steviegwood]

Hi Everyone, I have a co-worker that lost his home and all of the family belongings yesterday due to a fire. He has two children and a wife. We took it upon ourselves at work today to take up a collection of monies to help the family. I am trying to get our company to let me raffle some woodworking to raise money for them and to this point they are saying no way. It has been done in the past with great success. It got out of hand and people were raffling for personal profits. That I understand but would think in consideration of the circumstances there should be some exceptions. What do you all think on the subject? Would your employers be that cold hearted? Steve

[chrispuzzle]

A co-worker - so someone at the same company - so they know about the fire and his loss, right? And they still won't allow the raffle? That sucks.

Chris

[Randy Huckeby]

Hey Steviegwood,

I would think your employer should lead the way on this. Be CAREFUL with management like that in place things could go south real fast!

[Andy]

Aw man ... my family went through that when I was 10. Imagine spending the rest of your life with few or no pictures and memorabilia from your childhood. Those types of things can never be replaced. IMHO the company you work for is totally in the wrong by not allowing every and any opportunity for you as friends, co workers and fellow employees to show your support. It's all voluntary and people don't have to participate. If you only got $20 for something worth 100's of $$ and it was donated to the family involved, just the thought that somebody cared enough to do something. Send my condolensces to the family. Hopefully they're involved in a local church and get all the support they'll need from those around them ... including their co workers.

Andy

[PeteB]

25-30 years ago, people used to complain of companies being "paternalistic". Can't accuse too many of them of that these days!

Good on you for taking up your friend's cause, but it's best not to push too hard after making your point. Instead, maybe you can ask if it's OK to organize a raffle/auction/fundraiser at a church or some other place.

If you conduct yourself well, who knows? Maybe your employer will relent.

Best of luck,

Pete

[Daryl185]

Steve let me know if they or someone decides to have a raffel I have some pieces collecting dust I would love to donate

[Rivari]

Steve that sucks big time, in my field we take care of our own and god help us if we don't.

I'm with Daryl if there is something I can donate let me know, I have pieces collecting dust just for my own amusement that I will gladly send your way.

[miamw]

[PuzzledMoose]

I'm with the others in thinking that your employers are pretty heartless, Steve. I know that there can be problems with legal issues over raffles, as others have said but some rules are made to be bent ....

I'm also quite happy to donate a couple of pieces to sell/raffle .. whatever .. if it will help ..

[Steviegwood]

Thank you one and all for your kind offers. I just got back from visiting and delivering some donated items to the family. I printed off a copy of all of the generous offers and took it to the family and it brought tears to their eyes. If anyone wants to send anything just PM me or email me for my address. I will be sure to pass anything on. The church he goes to is going to have a benefit and I think the local fire dept. is going to have one too. I know that the family loves wood working because they have bought from me. He made mention that if any of you send woodworking that he would like to have a couple of pieces to decorate a new home when they get one. They had no insurance on their home and lost everything. I thought that it would be nice that if anybody donated wood art if you could sign it it would mean a lot to the family. Again I as well as The Family Thanks you, Steve

[will8989]

Your boss sounds like my old boss, you know the one who fired me, he can talk the talk but he sure as hell can't WALK the talk. What goes around comes around and one day he might be on the other end. Those kind of people aren't as good as the dirt I walk on. (Remember, I'm a woman of few words) Email me your address and I'll send you a basket they can either keep or you can raffle off.

Betty

[Steviegwood]

Your boss sounds like my old boss, you know the one who fired me, he can talk the talk but he sure as hell can't WALK the talk. What goes around comes around and one day he might be on the other end. Those kind of people aren't as good as the dirt I walk on. (Remember, I'm a woman of few words) Email me your address and I'll send you a basket they can either keep or you can raffle off.

Betty

Thanks Betty, I will PM you the address. I hope I live to see the day when a cup and card gets passed around for a collection for the one who is in charge of letting us do that. I will take the cup to the restroom and if I have to strain real hard I will give until it hurts. I will then take it to him myself and give him the respect that he deserves. Steve P.S. They have the nerve to be having meetings on Dignity and Respect!! HA HA HA

[Steviegwood]

Hi All, I walked into the Ace Hardware store that I deal with today to pay my account and while chit chatting this conversation started about my co-worker losing his home. I wrote out my check and recieved my receipt and the owner walks up and hands me a check made out to my co-worker for fifty dollars. Now that is community service. Steve

[Daryl185]

Steve check you mail box bud

[Steviegwood]

Hi Everyone, I would like to Thank all of you who have come forward wanting to make donations to my co-workers family in their time of need. None of you know me or them and I feel truly blessed to call all of you my friends. I have people from the community offering some larger pieces such as washer, dryer, bed & dresser, couch & chair. I have passed on the outpouring of prayers and donations. The family is very overwhelmed at the support from total strangers as yourselves and none from the company that he works for. Again I thank you one and all on their behalf and MAY GOD BLESS YOU, Steve