I wish you the best of luck. If I costed out the time I spent on this site at a penny per minute then I'd owe you hundreds of dollars for very helpful information, advice and opinion. I'm seeing this as a small thank you; nothing more, nothing less.

I don't know why you've not had as much interest as you'd have expected - here in the UK there is some fundraising for schools but it's often low key and more to do with getting maybe £2K for a computer suite, sports equipment or something specific. There may be an issue with it being a catholic school (I dunno, not an issue for me - I'm a hindu/christian/not much of anything... long story) or it may be simply that people are just that bit grippy.

So, I'm going to add my two pennies... come on people, $10 for a ticket! Have a punt. Do some good. Say thank you.

Look guys, I'm only playing devil's advocate here and all, so please, I don't personally feel this way, but in general I think some people see it this way: the Macks have tons of sets...  They've been buying and buying for years, and have never sold anything.  I can see some people on this site having not much sympathy, not only because of the nature of the school, but because some people will wonder, why with all those sets, why can't they just sell a few and donate the money?

I've personally seen some gofundme pages that really have me scratching my head wondering, who in the hell would ask money for this?

I think it's a great cause don't get me wrong, and I would buy a ticket if I could honestly rub two freaking pennies together, which I can't.  But there are more than enough greedy people out there who just won't do anything regardless.

I know Ed and Jeff are doing wonderful things and I truly appreciate everything this site has to offer.  I would just be careful and not get too optimistic on some people's generosity.  I've gotten my hopes up one too many times thinking people will pull through for me and never do.  I've become quite the cynic in this regards. 

55 minutes ago, NumeroUno said:

Finally got back to the site after a long time away only to come across this raffle.  Awesome idea! Was going to buy my powerball tickets tonight, but looks like my plans have changed, and for the better.  Keep up the optimism Macks, I have faith!

A+ I like that theory, I am tired of hearing about the powerball, this site even had a topic going on what would you do if you won the PB, I was like wow that topic is even here, I am tired of listening to the guys at my job on that topic. I will also be purchasing some raffle tickets. lets just say you will have a way better chance of winning the raffle than the PB.

10 minutes ago, Deanfjr said:

A+ I like that theory, I am tired of hearing about the powerball, this site even had a topic going on what would you do if you won the PB, I was like wow that topic is even here, I am tired of listening to the guys at my job on that topic. I will also be purchasing some raffle tickets. lets just say you will have a way better chance of winning the raffle than the PB.

I kind of started that thread as a joke.

I love this website and like the great idea of a raffle and all the hard work that is being done to raise money for this school. It must be a special place for people to go through all this trouble to raise money! I myself am Muslim and have many Muslim friends who's children attend catholic schools because many are great schools with caring teachers. They accept people of all faiths. If you think I'm wrong go into one and see for yourself. 

I hope everyone who uses this website and has made money from the information they gained donate to this school

6 minutes ago, Salimr said:

I love this website and like the great idea of a raffle and all the hard work that is being done to raise money for this school. It must be a special place for people to go through all this trouble to raise money! I myself am Muslim and have many Muslim friends who's children attend catholic schools because many are great schools with caring teachers. They accept people of all faiths. If you think I'm wrong go into one and see for yourself. 

I hope everyone who uses this website and has made money from the information they gained donate to this school

I am new to the site, but still don't mind to donate, just trying to decide to go all in on 1 item, if so what one that I want most, or pick a few.  

Approx. $700+ in less than 24 hours! Awesome!!

 

Btw. @Ed or Jeff. Have you thought about putting an ad or FSBO out in NJ Craigslist? I'd be wasting my time doing it in my town, but you might generate some interest in larger metropolitan areas! I know that if someone saw FSBO Lego Town Hall on CL a lot of people would see it. Just an idea to generate more views.

This may help the school for longer term. I am not sure if this is the right forum for my comment. Some states have school of choice. I am in Michigan and there is school of choice but religious schools and private do not count in Michigan (this may be changing as there are people pushing for them to) but there are some states such as I think Indiana with a voucher program where each kid as I understand gets a voucher to use at any school of their choice. This may or may not be the best option for all states and schools but if you feel it is, I would contact your legislators and let them know you want vouchers. Find stats that support you and maybe have your school speak with the law makers. I work for my state government and be as pessimistic as one wants. Things can get changed with intelligence and good information.

16 hours ago, c666187 said:

Are the "giving back" subtitles automatic?

 

 

They are updated daily and are connected with your emails.  If you have given and don't see one, ask Jeff or I and we will make sure you get one.

12 minutes ago, Ed Mack said:

They are updated daily and are connected with your emails.  If you have given and don't see one, ask Jeff or I and we will make sure you get one.

can the badge also appear for mods / admins given the existing badge?

no

6 minutes ago, jaisonline said:

can the badge also appear for mods / admins given the existing badge?

Nope.

2 hours ago, citymorgue said:

Look guys, I'm only playing devil's advocate here and all, so please, I don't personally feel this way, but in general I think some people see it this way: the Macks have tons of sets...  They've been buying and buying for years, and have never sold anything.  I can see some people on this site having not much sympathy, not only because of the nature of the school, but because some people will wonder, why with all those sets, why can't they just sell a few and donate the money?

I've personally seen some gofundme pages that really have me scratching my head wondering, who in the hell would ask money for this?

I think it's a great cause don't get me wrong, and I would buy a ticket if I could honestly rub two freaking pennies together, which I can't.  But there are more than enough greedy people out there who just won't do anything regardless.

I know Ed and Jeff are doing wonderful things and I truly appreciate everything this site has to offer.  I would just be careful and not get too optimistic on some people's generosity.  I've gotten my hopes up one too many times thinking people will pull through for me and never do.  I've become quite the cynic in this regards. 

I understand your point.  We have already donated thousands of dollars in sets and plan on adding some more.  Plus the cost of shipping and packaging to the winners.  This does not include other money I have donated through my real business and personal check book.  Look, I get it, some people just don't give a sh*t.  They just take, take, take and never give back.  I call them "energy vampires."  They not only don't give, they suck the life and energy from others with their poor attitudes.  I am trying to reach members who do care, but might have forgotten or have been too busy to help out.  We have well over 300 people responding, but I think we can do better.

"Ask and ye shall receive," is the old saying and I'm asking.  This is one small battle in a world of hurt and evil, but if I can make a small difference with the help of a community that Jeff and I created, then I will push every button and pull all the strings I can to make it as profitable as I can to help others.  I have already been humbled by the generosity of many, but you know me, I am the "King of the Horde"  and I want more...LOL

14 minutes ago, jaisonline said:

can the badge also appear for mods / admins given the existing badge?

Something like this @Jeff Mack

 

15 minutes ago, jaisonline said:

can the badge also appear for mods / admins given the existing badge?

No, but I just want all the members to know that the Moderators have donated, even the evil Stephen Rockefeller who hates kids and puppies.

6 minutes ago, pstebbing said:

Something like this @Jeff Mack

 

That's really a smart idea!

6 minutes ago, Ed Mack said:

"..even the evil Stephen Rockefeller who hates kids and puppies."

Quote of the month!!

On a serious note, who can hate puppies? I could understand kittens, maybe. But puppies...

1 hour ago, dcdfan said:

 

On a serious note, who can hate puppies? I could understand kittens, maybe. But puppies...

He is one of the few...He is so evil, I don't even think Jesus likes him.

Puppies can be evil too.

2 hours ago, Ed Mack said:

I understand your point.  We have already donated thousands of dollars in sets and plan on adding some more.  Plus the cost of shipping and packaging to the winners.  This does not include other money I have donated through my real business and personal check book.  Look, I get it, some people just don't give a sh*t.  They just take, take, take and never give back.  I call them "energy vampires."  They not only don't give, they suck the life and energy from others with their poor attitudes.  I am trying to reach members who do care, but might have forgotten or have been too busy to help out.  We have well over 300 people responding, but I think we can do better.

"Ask and ye shall receive," is the old saying and I'm asking.  This is one small battle in a world of hurt and evil, but if I can make a small difference with the help of a community that Jeff and I created, then I will push every button and pull all the strings I can to make it as profitable as I can to help others.  I have already been humbled by the generosity of many, but you know me, I am the "King of the Horde"  and I want more...LOL

That's fantastic Ed.  I know how passionate you are about all of this, and it's truly admirable.  Especially in just the sense that someone cares enough about their kids and are involved in their lives.  It's truly unfortunate how cutthroat people are these days.  As the old saying goes, Greed is good...  Which is truly sad, that of all things, money is most everyone's motivator.  People will always find ways to justify this, or that, but in the end, it's just they are stingy and greedy.

People waste their money on some pretty ridiculous stuff, I'm guilty of it too, but for some, it's truly sad they can't even fork over a few dollars to just help out.  Such is life, and I wish you all the best of luck in getting more people involved in your raffle.  Hopefully once my taxes come in, I'll through in a few bucks for the raffle.

NEW PRIZES ADDED!!!

7 minutes ago, Ed Mack said:

NEW PRIZES ADDED!!!

WOW!!!!

4 hours ago, pstebbing said:

Something like this @Jeff Mack

 

Thank you @pstebbing.  That looks awesome.  I'm wearing it proudly now.

10 minutes ago, Ed Mack said:

NEW PRIZES ADDED!!!

Dude.

Hi!

I have been a passive reader for over a year now and think it is time to contribute my part - my only problem is that rallyup is not accepting my card (authorization error)....

btw:  with the tickets ist will be like with Lego sets: buy the last day before retiring

16 minutes ago, the_dodger said:

Hi!

I have been a passive reader for over a year now and think it is time to contribute my part - my only problem is that rallyup is not accepting my card (authorization error)....

btw:  with the tickets ist will be like with Lego sets: buy the last day before retiring

Hi.  That is out of my control.  Maybe a number is wrong?  Thanks.

57 minutes ago, Ed Mack said:

NEW PRIZES ADDED!!!

Nice!!! Just bought several more tickets.