MyEmily

I would like to contribute but don't like dealing w/ paypal. Any other options?

I think setting up funds for the kid is the best idea.

Soulteacher

You could send a check to the address mentioned in post #2, or you could PM me and transfer the money bank-to-bank. Just let me know. Thanks!

MarkinMD

For those of us who don't know you and would like to contribute, perhaps you could open a college fund bank account in the name of the child, that we could contribute directly to a bank?

tommo951

I don't wish to seem heartless and cold here. This family has a loss to deal with which was very sudden by the sound of it. But on the other side of the coin as Shark Attack stated we are dealing with a guy here who owned a late 997. He was not potless by any means. When his estate is distributed provision will be made for his son and his girlfriend as well if she can prove financial dependancy. It is one thing getting together to pay for a memorial. It is another to support a child whose family have no income and little prospect. It is another again to patronise this family. If Craig was a responsible chap he would have made a Will & Testament the day he found out about Carol becoming pregnant. But in any case provision will be made.
If a group of Craigs close friends want to put something together then that is their perogative. But to post this thread across Rennlist I feel is not appropriate. That is just my $0.02 worth

Soulteacher

Mark, that's a great idea, too. Once we have completed the collection and establish the fund (a decision that will involve all contributors), we are going to share the account information with everyone so that others can make direct donations at a later stage.

Please note that I'm implementing control mechanisms so that people can be assured this is not a fraud. For once, Ben will serve as a comptroller. Also, as I'm typing this, I'm putting up a webpage, viewable for contributors only, where all of them can see their and all other contributions (anonymously) by date and time and keep track of them.

Living in Louisiana, I have seen what some people did with donations supposedly collected on behalf of Katrina victims, so I completely understand your concerns. I also didn't really try to take control of this whole thing; but after some people suggested doing this, I thought somebody just needs to get it off the ground.

Soulteacher

I see your point and I'm sure you are not the only one thinking this way.

However, I sincerely hope this thread is not going to turn into a huge discussion similar to those about break-in periods or Corvette cars.

Please feel free to contribute or not. It's completely voluntary. If you do not wish to contribute, please feel free to help some other cause. Again, I see your point; however, we are voluntarily doing what we think is the right thing to do from our point of view.

cleanme

What's the running total at?

I'll move some money into my PayPal tonight...

OCBen

Ooooh, I sense a major bank transfer move coming up.

Wolfgang can give us updates when he next comes online.

Soulteacher

A total of $872 contributed by 14 people (high $150, low $22 - everything counts!).

I think we can probably do better.

turkish_eyebrow

Thanks for setting this up. I think it is a nice gesture.

If we can get a large enough donation, my vote is for opening a 529 plan. Perhaps the plan could be owned by a trust with directions that the money can only be used for qualified educational expenses. I am willing to help with the trust document as I am an estate/tax planner.

If we have a more modest sum, a memorial plaque would be nice.

My 2 cents.

Soulteacher

That's exactly the kind of expertise we'll eventually need. I don't think the amount will turn into a huge, huge trust. But I still hope that we will get at least $2,500 and if we invest that properly in a college fund, then 14 years from now it should be a decent sum. Once again, all contributors will be involved in that decision.

Tom R.

$$ just sent via paypal.

Matt(inMA)

>> If we can get a large enough donation, my vote is for opening a 529 plan. Perhaps the plan could be owned by a trust with directions that the money can only be used for qualified educational expenses. I am willing to help with the trust document as I am an estate/tax planner. <<

I second this. This is an excellent idea and a great way for our contribtuions to be utilized...

Matt

turkish_eyebrow

You guys let me know if I can be of help.

oalvarez

to preface, i contributed as i simply wanted to.

my question: would/is this typically be done for any/all rennlist members?

regards