*TO ADMINISTRATORS / MEMBERS - PROPOSE STORM2K RELIEF FUND*

[tropicstorm]

To the Administrators, Members and Users of Storm2K:

We are all tropical weather enthusiasts - that's why we're here. We enjoy following tropical weather and tracking storms.

But now, we need to help the Gulf Coast victims of Katrina. I propose that we begin a Storm2K Relief Fund to collect money from as many forum members and users as possible. I believe that the administrators have a Pay Pal system already in place for Storm2K forum support. With the approval of the administrators, this Pay Pal system could be utilized to collect a Storm2K fund over the next few days or week to help with the Katrina disaster relief effort. We have lots of members / users here and I believe that we could raise a generous amount of money. The administrators could designate The American Red Cross, Salvation Army or other legitimate charity to receive our contribution.

I will make a pledge right now for $100 if the administrators approve this.

Anyone here can donate whatever is comfortable for them.

I'd like to see some support here for this idea. Those folks that went through Katrina need a lot of help right now.

[cswitwer]

Already donated to the Red Cross every penny I had, and plan on donating blood on Friday.

I like the idea - but why not just donate cash directly to the Red Cross? PayPal charges fees to accept cash and transfer cash, and thus precious dollars will be lost by transferring money through a middle man.

[tropicstorm]

Well, I didn't think of the Pay Pal charges. I was just thinking that a collective effort by the forum might gain some momentum and raise more money for the cause than otherwise giving directly to the charities.

I think that we could build some steam here.

[cswitwer]

Oh I agree building momentum. I can't help but think all these wonderful people are probably already digging through their couches for spare change at this point. But yes, unfortunately PayPal does charge fees and I hate to see any money, even dimes, go to waste paying them. Maybe there is some other way to take donations other than PayPal that I don't know about?

[cyclone_eye]

I support the idea of contributions for relief aid BUT not another fund. Donations should be made through recognised agencies - such as the Red Cross which is now appealing for funds.

I've seen too many funds last year spring up because everyone wanted the recongition - which is admirable - but in the end it was more prudent to deliver through existing mechanisms.

On another note, this disaster in New Orleans (sorry was not paying much attention to the other two states - I am sentimental about NOLA) is an opportunity they or us ought to waste. There are so many lessons to be learnt from this, and opportunity for reconstruction that will fortify the city.

They will rise again, better and stronger.