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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by brownie
This is why I just donate and play nothing 
Scrooge! 
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Posted 10/25/11 10:58 AM  |
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brownie
Baby #1 is here!
Member since 11/08 13903 total posts
Name:
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by brownie
This is why I just donate and play nothing
Scrooge!
That was my nickname in high school
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| Posted 10/25/11 11:04 AM |
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
I work for a not-for-profit so I know what the "rule" is. But honestly, it all depneds on the event for me. A true charitable fundraiser, I would give all or most back. The fire dept. type ones or the police "fundraisers" I'd keep. Besides, I can't afford the really good ones where you'd win thousands, anyway, LOL.
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| Posted 10/25/11 11:05 AM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by brownie
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by brownie
This is why I just donate and play nothing
Scrooge!
That was my nickname in high school
pfft...figures. 
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| Posted 10/25/11 11:05 AM |
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LittleDiva
LIF Adult
Member since 9/11 1284 total posts
Name:
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
before reading this thread i had never heard of anyone giving their winnings back.
ive never won any 50/50 raffles i entered (im not a lucky person  ) but i would have never even thought of giving it back.
now i wonder what people would think of me if i won and kept it??? now im glad i never win lol
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| Posted 10/25/11 11:09 AM |
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Pomegranate5
LIF Adult
Member since 2/11 4798 total posts
Name:
Pomegranate5
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by BaseballWidow
I work for a not-for-profit so I know what the "rule" is. But honestly, it all depneds on the event for me. A true charitable fundraiser, I would give all or most back. The fire dept. type ones or the police "fundraisers" I'd keep. Besides, I can't afford the really good ones where you'd win thousands, anyway, LOL.
I agree with this. The events where I've noticed the winnings being donated back were the more expensive ones where it cost $500-$1000+ per plate and the guests arrived in Bentley's. And yes, they would look pretty cheap keeping the raffle money.
It's just the way it is. I don't understand why people are getting upset over it. If you didn't already know that it was customary, you probably aren't going to be going to the kind of event where you'll be expected to do it.
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| Posted 10/25/11 11:59 AM |
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JandJ1224
Member since 6/06 5911 total posts
Name:
Jannette
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
I think if it would depend on where I was, at a charity for a family or something personal like that I would most likely donate winnings
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| Posted 10/25/11 12:09 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by PrincessP
You are stating that its the "Norm" but even in a sample from LIF of random people from all over NY and surrounding states, the poll itself represents that MOST people would keep it. I get that its not a HUGE sample but it still doesnt show it to be close either. I really actually dont think its the norm....JMHO...
I think it would be wonderful for 50/50's to be given back but I dont think its the idea of the game. I really dont. Especially when I run mine.
The sample used here is way skewed as most of the people who post here don't work for a nonprofit organization.
Before I got into this industry I would have wholeheartedly agreed with you that keeping the prize makes complete and total sense. But, now that I actually work for one, I can say with much certainty that taking the prize and giving nothing back, if not all of it, is NOT the norm.
Look through the responses on this thread...Those who answered that it's the norm, actually have experience with attending charity events and dealing with the nonprofit world.
Those who answered nay, don't.
That's not a coincidence.
The world of nonprofit is very different than the superbowl pool at some bar.
Nonprofits SURVIVE off the events they hold. They DEPEND on people to partake in these events AND the 50/50s and sweeps that are done at these events. The sole purpose of ANY event held by a nonprofit, is to bring in revenue. That's it. Nothing more. As I said in a prior post, it's the only way we can survive.
I am seriously not trying to go back and forth with you. I just have to add this one thing... "most" of the people that attend these types of events don't necessarily work in the non profit world so those are also the ones accounted for that are buying the ticket. So the sample above (while I agree could be skewed) it still is pretty high. Regardless, I get what you are saying bc I do work in the non profit world.
Also, adding I read someones response here about picking and choosing which places to give back or not to. I kinda felt the same when someone mentioned the "Trinca family". That I would want to give the whole thing back. Maybe its bc its too close to home (the child aspect/family aspect). Not sure what it is. I mean all charities NEED the $ so I am not sure why I also feel like the person above that some I would give back some I would keep. I guess you dont realize all of this until you sit back and think...
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| Posted 10/25/11 2:19 PM |
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annoyedTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 3272 total posts
Name:
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
I'd totally keep my winnings and not feel bad.
If you just want my money ask for it, don;t pretend its a game of chance
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| Posted 10/25/11 2:24 PM |
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annoyedTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 3272 total posts
Name:
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by emilylives
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by JRG71
Winning is fun. Giving it back is much more fun. I never went to a charity expecting to get something. I go to give. I think that's the eye opener for me in this thread.
I agree but then why bother running the raffle at all?
Just donate to get in the door, donate while there, etc
What is the point of running a raffle and where is teh fun in winning it - if you aren't really 'winning ' it? KWIM?
The fun is in helping a worthy organization.
Believe it or not (and I'm not saying this in a snarky tone at ALL) there are people just willing to give their money to charity simply to help others.
I would have never thought this true (I'm a terrible cynic) but there are people in this world that have the means to just give for the sake of helping those less fortunate than themselves.
That's the only reason they do it.
I get that 100%.
I am all for helping a charity.
BUT- if the raffle money is expected to be given back to the charity- then why not just ask people to donate? Like at the door of the event, etc?
I see the point in donating and the fun in it and the rush you get when you do something good. I do.
I just don't see the point in a "raffle" that is not really a "raffle"
Its almost like- "lets draw a ticket to see who gets to give the money back."
Just seems a bit pointless, that's all.
I said it before, I will say it again...
It's NOT expected.
However it's NOT THE NORM for people who win to NOT give the prize back.
I'm not sure what's so confusing about this? 
If organizers get annoyed that people don't give the prize back, it does seem to me that it's expected. I totally understand that you are just conveying your own experience, but it is clearly confusing for a lot of people why a charity would run a raffle if they expect people to give back what they won. If they expect that money back, then why wouldn't they just ask for donations instead of doing a raffle? I would love to donate to a charity, but I would much rather donate outright than basically buy a fake raffle ticket.
People get annoyed because they're HUMAN. Is it right? NO! But it's the truth. I'm not excusing the behavior but just try to understand where these people are coming from.
These organizations help, kids, people in need, etc. They need EVERY LAST CENT to help run. Without donations they're FINISHED.
People who work and volunteer for these groups give up their time, invest their blood sweat and tears to these organizations. So yeah, it's a little frustrating when you see someone win ten grand and give nothing back to the organization that could desperately use it.
But in the end the organization is up $10,000 or what ever half the pot was
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| Posted 10/25/11 2:28 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by PrincessP
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by PrincessP
You are stating that its the "Norm" but even in a sample from LIF of random people from all over NY and surrounding states, the poll itself represents that MOST people would keep it. I get that its not a HUGE sample but it still doesnt show it to be close either. I really actually dont think its the norm....JMHO...
I think it would be wonderful for 50/50's to be given back but I dont think its the idea of the game. I really dont. Especially when I run mine.
The sample used here is way skewed as most of the people who post here don't work for a nonprofit organization.
Before I got into this industry I would have wholeheartedly agreed with you that keeping the prize makes complete and total sense. But, now that I actually work for one, I can say with much certainty that taking the prize and giving nothing back, if not all of it, is NOT the norm.
Look through the responses on this thread...Those who answered that it's the norm, actually have experience with attending charity events and dealing with the nonprofit world.
Those who answered nay, don't.
That's not a coincidence.
The world of nonprofit is very different than the superbowl pool at some bar.
Nonprofits SURVIVE off the events they hold. They DEPEND on people to partake in these events AND the 50/50s and sweeps that are done at these events. The sole purpose of ANY event held by a nonprofit, is to bring in revenue. That's it. Nothing more. As I said in a prior post, it's the only way we can survive.
I am seriously not trying to go back and forth with you. I just have to add this one thing... "most" of the people that attend these types of events don't necessarily work in the non profit world so those are also the ones accounted for that are buying the ticket. So the sample above (while I agree could be skewed) it still is pretty high. Regardless, I get what you are saying bc I do work in the non profit world.
I understand and I don't feel like you're attacking me at all - we're just talking about this topic! I know, shocking for LIF; a real convo!! I kid, I kid!
But to your point, I agree most of the people invited to these charity shin digs don't necessarily work in nonprofit (or at all ) but they've been around the nonprofit world and are well aware of what's "expected". Believe me, they reap the benefits too, plus doing some good in this world DOES feel good!
Also, those invited to these events are typically well heeled and can easily afford the tickets, the donations, and the raffles - they don't need the winnings per se so the ASSumption  (because I agree, just assuming someone will donate the money they won back is pretty damn presumptuous) is that they will be donating it back.
I think the results of the poll here is based on the fact that a fair majority of the posters here aren't attending events that cost $500/seat or more and they're not donating tens thousands of dollars a year. They're just not running in those circles, but if they do or know anyone who does, I'm 99% certain they would have answered differently.
**Disclaimer**
Again, this is just MY OPINION and it's garnered through MY EXPERIENCE of working for a nonprofit.
This doesn't mean I'm right, I'm just sharing my POV.
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| Posted 10/25/11 2:34 PM |
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Sparrow
LIF Adult
Member since 11/10 6826 total posts
Name:
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by LeShellem
Ok, this whole thread is an eye opener. I always played with the hopes of winning. Now I doubt I will ever play. I have no problem giving money for a charity, but lets call it what it is. What's with all the code speak, and people looking down on someone for winning a prize and having the audacity for keeping it.
Thank you.
This is what I wanted to say but couldn't word it right.
Ditto! I actually attend large scale fun raisers have bought tickets when they're raffling things off. I never won but if I did I would have kept the vacation, spa day, etc. I've never paid any attention but I assumed the winners kept their prizes. I don't even know who you'd give your prize to at a large event (unless it was money, but I've never seen that type of raffle).
I really dislike this basically "guise" form of fund raising. Just ask for a donation if that's what you want, none of this "50/50 raffle but there isn't really a prize" nonsense.
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| Posted 10/25/11 2:35 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by annoyedTTCer
But in the end the organization is up $10,000 or what ever half the pot was
Clearly you don't work in nonprofit.
There is no such thing as being "up" when it comes to money in the world of nonprofit.
We're always looking to raise funds.
If there's a way to bring in revenue, we do it.
Posted by annoyedTTCer
I'd totally keep my winnings and not feel bad.
If you just want my money ask for it, don;t pretend its a game of chance
Trust me when I say, no one wants you to feel bad.
Nonprofits ask for donations all the time, the 50/50 or raffle or sweeps is just a "fun" way of doing it.
Again, when you're sitting on that kind of coin, 10M is CHUMP CHANGE. They give it back because it looks good and moreso, they don't really need it.
Often times, they come with a check to present to the organization for a lot more. Also, the thought behind it is that they are SUPPORTING the charity. You know, that's why they're at said event in the first place
Message edited 10/25/2011 2:41:20 PM.
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| Posted 10/25/11 2:40 PM |
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MsSissy
xoxoxo
Member since 3/07 39159 total posts
Name:
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
I would keep it.
And I've been on both sides of this.
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| Posted 10/25/11 2:48 PM |
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DRMom
Two in Blue
Member since 5/05 20223 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by annoyedTTCer
But in the end the organization is up $10,000 or what ever half the pot was
Clearly you don't work in nonprofit.
There is no such thing as being "up" when it comes to money in the world of nonprofit.
We're always looking to raise funds.
If there's a way to bring in revenue, we do it.
Posted by annoyedTTCer
I'd totally keep my winnings and not feel bad.
If you just want my money ask for it, don;t pretend its a game of chance
Trust me when I say, no one wants you to feel bad.
Nonprofits ask for donations all the time, the 50/50 or raffle or sweeps is just a "fun" way of doing it.
Again, when you're sitting on that kind of coin, 10M is CHUMP CHANGE. They give it back because it looks good and moreso, they don't really need it.
Often times, they come with a check to present to the organization for a lot more. Also, the thought behind it is that they are SUPPORTING the charity. You know, that's why they're at said event in the first place
I work in the non profit world as a vendor. We provide automated auctions, helping charities raise more money through their silent auctions and calls for donation. To Jennie's point above, many guests(without deep pockets) feel they are doing their part by buying the ticket. They don't get involved with other aspects of the evening. Those are the worst kind of events for us, because when people are worried over spending any more money than what their ticket cost, that can ruin your event. I've seen it happen where someone got a LOT of corporate sponsors. Most of them sent their employees and NO ONE bid or donated. It was a horrible event.
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| Posted 10/25/11 3:48 PM |
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ihilani
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/07 858 total posts
Name:
alias
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Re:
Message edited 6/3/2012 9:15:51 AM.
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| Posted 10/25/11 9:56 PM |
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Sweetlax22
LIF Adult
Member since 5/10 1904 total posts
Name:
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
I never knew this was common until a few years ago when I attended a large fundraiser where the 50/50 was huge, the family that was running the event made it very clear that they were not going to accept it if someone tried to give it back. I think I would do the same thing if i ran an event, I think it worked out in the end bc more people bought tickets.
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| Posted 10/25/11 10:28 PM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by ihilani
This has certainly been eye-opening. I will steer clear of 50/50s from now on.
Totally, I had no idea!
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| Posted 10/25/11 10:43 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
I have to say, I'm actually surprised that more people aren't jumping in to defend the idea of "selfless charitable giving".
I guess that just goes to show that I don't understand people at all - or at least not the ones on LIF. I would have thought it was MORE offensive to admit that you are only participating in the raffle in hopes of making some money. I obviously know nothing. 
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| Posted 10/25/11 10:45 PM |
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maybebaby
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 6870 total posts
Name:
Maureen
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
I didn't ever really think about this before this post...
I can honestly say that if were at a charity event with tons of raffles/prizes etc and won the 50/50 I would have taken the money and not really though much about it!! And that isn't out of selfishness, I would think that most events like that do the raffles as just an extra way to make money for the person or organization.
Think about it...there are always tons of prizes and raffles at these things. Gift cards, gift baskets, tv's etc...people don't ever give those things back...they are usually donated by an organization and doesn't come out of the pocket of the charity or person its benefitting...same with the 50/50....the entire amount collected gets divided..so the charity is still gaining 50% of the money so why shouldn't the person who won keep their portion??
I will think differently about that from now on and if i were to win i'd prob now ask to give it back to the charity...but i would never think badly of someone who kept their winnings...
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| Posted 10/25/11 11:36 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by maybebaby
I didn't ever really think about this before this post...
I can honestly say that if were at a charity event with tons of raffles/prizes etc and won the 50/50 I would have taken the money and not really though much about it!! And that isn't out of selfishness, I would think that most events like that do the raffles as just an extra way to make money for the person or organization.
Think about it...there are always tons of prizes and raffles at these things. Gift cards, gift baskets, tv's etc...people don't ever give those things back...they are usually donated by an organization and doesn't come out of the pocket of the charity or person its benefitting...same with the 50/50....the entire amount collected gets divided..so the charity is still gaining 50% of the money so why shouldn't the person who won keep their portion??
I will think differently about that from now on and if i were to win i'd prob now ask to give it back to the charity...but i would never think badly of someone who kept their winnings...
Just so you're aware, the stuff that's given away or auctioned off by the charity, is donated to the charity for the sake of the auction to begin with.
Again, these are all ways of fund raising for the organization. It would be counter productive for a charity to go out and buy stuff to give away for free. KWIM?
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| Posted 10/26/11 12:05 AM |
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gina409
TWINS!
Member since 12/09 27635 total posts
Name:
g
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
i prob would have given some back...not all..
i would think most people would say..well i came and donated and that was a great thing to do so this is just a bonus that i got to win something
i would not thinkany less of anyone who decided to keep the money..they won
i would just be thankful all these people showed up and were able to have a 50/50 raffle to begin with
as long as any donations were brought in..from entry fee to donations to someone giving back a prize..if at the end of the night there is money to donate,i would say it was a good night
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| Posted 10/26/11 2:24 AM |
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gina409
TWINS!
Member since 12/09 27635 total posts
Name:
g
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by Jennie0898
I have to say, I'm actually surprised that more people aren't jumping in to defend the idea of "selfless charitable giving".
I guess that just goes to show that I don't understand people at all - or at least not the ones on LIF. I would have thought it was MORE offensive to admit that you are only participating in the raffle in hopes of making some money. I obviously know nothing.
i do not understand how that is offensive? why enter if you do not want to win
i am not saying it is right or wrong to give money back but if people do not enter then no 50/50 right?
so if more people did the offensive thing the pot would be greater no?
and maybe that person donates some back,maybe not...but it brings more people to a fundraiser
i am just confused by all of this
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| Posted 10/26/11 2:27 AM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Before this thread, I would have NEVER thought to give it back. . . I am just going to pretend I didn't read this. . . moving along, nothing to see here. . .
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| Posted 10/26/11 6:37 AM |
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Re: 50/50 Raffle at Charity Event - Keep or give back?
Posted by Jennie0898
I have to say, I'm actually surprised that more people aren't jumping in to defend the idea of "selfless charitable giving".
I guess that just goes to show that I don't understand people at all - or at least not the ones on LIF. I would have thought it was MORE offensive to admit that you are only participating in the raffle in hopes of making some money. I obviously know nothing.
What is the point of a raffle if you don't want to win? You have to admit its a little confusing to want people to buy chances to win gift baskets but not chances to win money. Like others said, put out a fish bowl for checks or call it a raffle for the chance to give the money back to charity. Don't call it a 50/50. My friend runs a foundation and he will not accept the prize money back from a 50/50.
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| Posted 10/26/11 7:46 AM |
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