welcome to the fundraising discussion

[Laura]

I thought it would be useful to have a place to post thoughts about possible fundraising efforts -- and whether the night in the broadcast booth for the DJaxx is something that we should pursue for NSBB.

 

I like the broadcast booth idea. Even if the audience isn't enormous, I think it does help to solidify the reputation of NSBB both with Cubs fans and within the Cubs organization. Obviously, the auction price may determine how vigorously we should pursue this.

 

Some of you have participated in past efforts; some I know I've talked with about future possibilities; maybe we could just brainstorm through some ideas.

 

And I promise I'll chip in more when I return -- I'm trapped in training seminars most of today and tomorrow, but I'll log in when I get home.

 

Thanks! :D

[Laura]

And, though I think I mentioned this to the people I PM'd, just ignore the old locked posts -- they're for an old fantasy simleague I was in.

[Chris]

1) I'll make a list of stuff to have abuck auction. I'd do it myself but abuck has a history of running them. I'll see what I can come up with.

[brinoch]

Charity work is a pretty important component of a baseball team, as well as its players and wives. In one form or another, this all comes down to service and PR. I am a cynic, but that doesn't mean that they don't care about what they do. Because they do care.

 

And that's where we can come in. We can make an impact beyond just our ability to debate the Cubs, write letters, follow games, buy tickets and merchandise. We can help them towards accomplishing their goals, as well. Part of why the teams are willing to accomodate us is because, like it or not, we're a presence on the web with a significant following (including reporters), and shunning your fan base is foolish. So they will pay attention to us, at least to a degree, because of the potential bad PR we could generate. Imagine if a reporter wrote a story about how the Cubs spurned their rabid fan base -- they don't want that. But, that only goes so far.

 

Now, the second part is where we help them acheive their goals. When they see us as not only fans, but also willing to help them with their fundraising and their charities, well, that shows commitment to them as well as a demonstration that the time they spent on us was time well spent -- an investment.

 

Remember, when you do a favor for someone, they are psychologically much more apt to like you than otherwise. This fits that situation.

[Chris]

Charity work is a pretty important component of a baseball team, as well as its players and wives. In one form or another, this all comes down to service and PR. I am a cynic, but that doesn't mean that they don't care about what they do. Because they do care.

 

And that's where we can come in. We can make an impact beyond just our ability to debate the Cubs, write letters, follow games, buy tickets and merchandise. We can help them towards accomplishing their goals, as well. Part of why the teams are willing to accomodate us is because, like it or not, we're a presence on the web with a significant following (including reporters), and shunning your fan base is foolish. So they will pay attention to us, at least to a degree, because of the potential bad PR we could generate. Imagine if a reporter wrote a story about how the Cubs spurned their rabid fan base -- they don't want that. But, that only goes so far.

 

Now, the second part is where we help them acheive their goals. When they see us as not only fans, but also willing to help them with their fundraising and their charities, well, that shows commitment to them as well as a demonstration that the time they spent on us was time well spent -- an investment.

 

Remember, when you do a favor for someone, they are psychologically much more apt to like you than otherwise. This fits that situation.

 

I have already asked Eric and Sean if they would contribute something to be auctioned to charity with the proceeds going to the charity of choice in their name. That way, not only do they get good PR in a Q & A session, but they get to do something for charity. In addition, we'll be giving and receiving as well.

 

I would love to be able to get something from every Q & A for charity. In addition, although I may be wrong, I am confident that SoSH has a link to a charity and they keep up with the proceeds. Maybe we could support Cubs Care? Could we link their site on the main page? Just thinking as I type.

[Laura]

The recent jersey auctions in Peoria were to support JDRF, and, of course, we all know about Santo's involvement with that cause.

 

So I'd think that JDRF could be added as an option in addition to CubsCare.

 

I can look through my remaining collectibles stuff tonight, but I'm not sure how much more of any value I have to donate. :? I could probably come up with a few baseball cards that might interest people.

[Chris]

The recent jersey auctions in Peoria were to support JDRF, and, of course, we all know about Santo's involvement with that cause.

 

So I'd think that JDRF could be added as an option in addition to CubsCare.

 

I should've included them on my list as well. If links to charities are on the main page it would definitely help our image. If we could keep up with the total amount given to charity through NSBB posters that would be great as well.

[Laura]

DJaxx - when is the broadcast booth auction?

 

Is it this Saturday night?

 

We're really talking a fast turnaround, then.

[Chris]

DJaxx - when is the broadcast booth auction?

 

Is it this Saturday night?

 

We're really talking a fast turnaround, then.

 

The auction is Saturday. Yep, fast turnaround. Unfortunately this may limit the auction to PayPal, unless I spring the cash.

[Chris]

I'm on my way home for the afternoon. I'll find some quick stuff and post it here. I'll be gone tonight until at least 10:00 and we could use the extra auction time.

[brinoch]

I don't have a lot of collectibles, myself, because I'm notoriously unsentimental. Actually, no, my brother "acquired" most of them from me and sold them off a long time ago. And there was that Cubs hat autographed by Sammy Sosa that an ex-girlfriend "acquired" in brutal break-up. I think I have some Shawon Dunston autographed stuff, some unautographed cards of Ryno and Grace. And Hal Morris (who went to my high school). Oh, and that Steve Buechele autographed baseball. :D

 

I do have an autographed, game-worn Shawon Dunston jersey. BUt that's not for sale or donation at any price.

 

Nope, I'm afraid it's a paypal donation for me.

[Chris]

I have to go for awhile but I have some stuff to use to raise some cash. I'll post it as soon as I get back (maybe 10:30 CT).

[Chris]

Ok, sorry for the delay. In any case, I'd like to propose that we go ahead and find out what type of donations we can get and work from there. NC mentioned donating and I read where brinoch mentioned donating. In addition, if Tim chose to use it, there is $100 that could be allocated to this.

 

brinoch, if you would LMK through a PM what you had in mind in regards to a donation and I'll ask NC about it. I plan on giving as well. Once we have that number we can move forward. In any case, here's a list of some of the stuff I'd be willing to sell here if necessary:

 

1) I just got a Harvery auto from abuck's auction. I can give Tim the $10 and let abuck resale the card and make more money off it.

 

2) Ricky Nolasco game worn and autographed Cub jersey (sorry, no LOA)

 

3) For the Cardinal fans: 1996 Busch Stadium 30th anniversary 8 1/2 x 11 signed by Al Hrabosky

 

4) Game used baseball from Mother's Day 2004: Rockies at Cubs, certified by MLB

 

5) Mark Prior and Corey Patterson signed Jaxx mini-helmet (Triple Authenticated)

 

6) Catfish Hunter signed baseball

 

7) 2002 game used baseball from a Jaxx game

 

8. Jaxx bobblehead

 

9) Baseball card with piece of baseball used in 2003 NLDS Game 4. The ball piece has the MLB logo and it's numbered out of 100.

 

10) 2005 Interleague pin (Sox at Cubs)

 

11) Ryne Sandberg 5 card lot: 1985 Topps, 1987 Donruss, 1987 Topps, 1990 Fleer, 1990 Score (All Mint)

 

12) Mark Grace signed 1992 Donruss card

 

That list could change at any time, but I would sell some of that stuff if it looks like we need the cash.

Edited July 12, 2005 by Chris

[Chris]

Oh yeah, a Felix Pie signed Jaxx program as well

[Laura]

I might get in trouble for this at home, but I'll throw in 2 bleacher tickets for the Fri. Sept 23 game vs. the Astros.

 

Are we thinking about auctioning these things off here?

 

We've got to decide that stat.

 

Unfortuately, I'm a little cash-strapped at the moment. I can't donate much via paypal, so I've just got to go the donation route.

[Chris]

I might get in trouble for this at home, but I'll throw in 2 bleacher tickets for the Fri. Sept 23 game vs. the Astros.

 

Are we thinking about auctioning these things off here?

 

We've got to decide that stat.

 

Unfortuately, I'm a little cash-strapped at the moment. I can't donate much via paypal, so I've just got to go the donation route.

 

I messaged brinoch and NC about their plans so we can get an idea as to what we have to work with.

 

I would like to think that if we were to auction them here we'd get some cash for them. After all, someone would essentially be getting something free for donating to the site.

[brinoch]

I PMed DJAXX my plans. While I thank you for the discretion, no need for that with me in the future. For planning purposes, I'd like to donate $50, and if DJAXX needs to bid higher, I'll cover another $50. I didn't mention this in my PM, but I'll probably put in minimum bids on the NSBB auction materials if they don't move quickly (which, of course, I'd be happy to cover).

 

Another broad thought: obviously this is a fast moving thing and none of want to get sidetracked. But a question for the future: should we consider holding a larger offseason auction to benefit the site and/or Cubs Care?

[Chris]

 

Another broad thought: obviously this is a fast moving thing and none of want to get sidetracked. But a question for the future: should we consider holding a larger offseason auction to benefit the site and/or Cubs Care?

 

It would be great if we had enough cash to cover miscellaneous expenses. For example, the Cubs did a bowling tournament and NSBB could have got a sponsorship and team in the event. However, that sort of thing costs money.

[Laura]

Another broad thought: obviously this is a fast moving thing and none of want to get sidetracked. But a question for the future: should we consider holding a larger offseason auction to benefit the site and/or Cubs Care?

 

Yes. Even though there wasn't a direct link to referrals, the predictions contest was a donation-based way to keep premiums happy and encourage people to join up. We've been geared so far toward trying to raise the money just to pay for site upkeep and server stuff, etc etc, to support the site.

 

Doing a charity auction would be a good idea --- but we would have to plan it well. Absolutely well. Unless you want to completely lose credibility, you have to be very clear on what the guidelines and responsibilities are in charity auctions.

[Laura]

Here's an evil idea:

 

We auction off the rights to ban someone from NSBB for a day.

 

Flat fee. $5 = ban someone for a day.

 

 

For premium members, we'd just extend their premium membership for a day for each day they were banned. Plus, it's for charity.

 

Maybe it's just me, but if people organized and thought about banning a member for, say, a year with their combined spending power ... we could raise some $$$$! :D

[Chris]

Here's an evil idea:

 

We auction off the rights to ban someone from NSBB for a day.

 

Flat fee. $5 = ban someone for a day.

 

 

For premium members, we'd just extend their premium membership for a day for each day they were banned. Plus, it's for charity.

 

Maybe it's just me, but if people organized and thought about banning a member for, say, a year with their combined spending power ... we could raise some $$$$! :D

 

We'd be out of a job! :wink:

[Laura]

One of us would be immune each day. :wink:

[NCCubFan]

I mentioned this to DJAXX by PM, but I plan to contribute $50 via PayPal. I'm not much of a collector, and the Cubs-related items I am willing to part with I already pledged to Serena as prizes for the predictions contest.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Here's an evil idea:

 

We auction off the rights to ban someone from NSBB for a day.

 

Flat fee. $5 = ban someone for a day.

 

 

For premium members, we'd just extend their premium membership for a day for each day they were banned. Plus, it's for charity.

 

Maybe it's just me, but if people organized and thought about banning a member for, say, a year with their combined spending power ... we could raise some $$$$! :D

 

I know one person that several might pay to keep away for a long time.

[Chris]

 

I know one person that several might pay to keep away for a long time.

 

It's not me [-(