Q&A
Why did you start this?
The simple answer answer: as a way to help. Talk is cheap. The Democrats were outraged by what they heard, and Republicans didn’t understand the outrage – at least from the blogs and articles we’ve read. The whole issue was slipping into name-calling and endless, useless arguments. Talk is cheap. But money walks. When Democrats and community organizers and those offended see Republicans responding to this fund-raiser, they’ll have to acknowledge Republicans for their action and support of community.
Is this legitimate?
Yes, it is 100% legitimate. But that’s a fair question, of course, given how many online scams etc., there are.
How do I know it’s legit?
All donations go through firstgiving.com. You can learn more about them by going to http://www.firstgiving.com and browsing through their site. On their About Us page, you will see that they have “raised over $68 million for over 13,000 nonprofits, thanks to fundraisers and donors like you.” All donations go to legitimate non-profit organizations. NONE of the money goes to us. NONE. Firstgiving.com does take a fee to process your donation, but that’s normal, and that’s it.
Do you make any money from this?
NO. No, no, no. All donations go through firstgiving.com, not through us. This site is just a “portal” to donation pages, one for each organization. The donation pages are created in and hosted at firstgiving.com. We are not associated with firstgiving.com or with any of the charitable organizations selected. Maybe we’ll create a t-shirt, though, and sell it online. That seems to be a popular thing to do. : )
How did you select the organizations who will receive donations?
We tried to select a variety of organizations that would provide enough choice for eveyone to be comfortable donating. And we selected organizations that are particularly relevant to some of the issues at hand. For example, Raising Special Kids is relevant to the issue of families with children with special needs, an issue that’s been highlighted with the selection of Sarah Palin as the Republican Vice-Presidential nominee, and it’s based in Arizona, John McCain’s home state; Soldier’s Angels supports troops – in Iraq and other places – and veterans. Plus, it’s Michelle Malkin’s favorite charity (according to her website). The Chicago Food Depository provides support and resources to the inner city in Illinois, Barack Obama’s home state. For those who might not choose to donate to those organizations, there is also the American Red Cross and the United Way, whose good deeds are well-known and immeasurable.
Why just a $5 donation?
You’re always free to give more! But what we’re asking is for “a million points of light” – one million Republicans to respond quickly, rather than several large benefactors stepping forward. The goal of this fund-raiser is to demonstrate that Republicans value community organizers and community service just as much if not more than any other American. One or two large contributors would not have the same impact on the conversation – though it would have the same impact on the organizations, which would be a good thing. (And if we have to, we’ll be asking for large donations, believe me!) But one million Republicans donating $5 each will prove the Democrats wrong! So please, select an organization, and donate now.
Can’t I donate directly to the organization, without going through this site or through firstgiving.com’s donation pages?
Yes, you can. BUT…there will be no way to count your donation to this specific fund-raising challenge. We encourage you to donate any way you feel most comfortable. But donating through the links here to the organization’s donation pages will enable us to tally up the total donations and publicize them, so your donation means even more.
What is the financial and timeline goal?
The goal is to raise $5 Million by September 11th, 2008 – just two days from now!
Isn’t that goal ambitious?
Yes, it is! But it can be done! The power of the internet is amazing. And the generosity of Republican Americans will make it happen!
How can I check the progress of donations?
Two ways.
1. Each organization’s donation page has a “thermometer” and a numerical indicator of how much has been donated, so you can see in real time, at any time, how much money has been raised for each organization.
2. We’ll be updating the site with news and information.
3. (Didn’t I say there were two ways?…Well, maybe the media will pick up on this fund-raiser, and you’ll read about progress or see it on tv. So that’s a possible third way.)
Is there a t-shirt?
Not yet….See above. : )
