Okay, I like to write.  A lot!!!!!!  So this is a new journal specifically dedicated to the fundraising efforts to raise donations to help keep this awesome site up and running.  This allows me to keep my literary talents confined to my own journal, Joppette!

The Fundraiser is a 50/50 raffle.  Several people have asked that the money they donated not be put into the 50/50 but rather go directly to the site.  That is generous and wonderful, however it does lower the amount of money that will go into the pot for the 50/50!  So.....if you want to see the pot grow, we need to see the donations grow by a lot!

I plan on posting a growth chart once I crunch the latest numbers.  So look for that soon.  But we are FAR AWAY from raising the money needed to pay for the changes we've made to the site thus far, and the changes we still WISH to implement, but may not be able to.

Here's the deal!  We must maintain a cushion of money in the bank to pay for regular maintenance, server fees, annual fees, etc.  In addition, we need a reserve in case an emergency happens and the site has problems and we must be able to pay a programmer to solve those problems.

This particular fundraiser came about because the site was so slow, the sign in process cumbersome, and the language of the site old and out dated.  This took extra money, money that can not come from our reserves.  We have to pay those bills in March.  That's why this is happening right now!

This site was started by a small handful of folks that took a lot of money out of their own pockets to make this place happen.  Now it is up to us members to help the site stay as safe as it is, as reliable as it is, and to do all of this WITHOUT having to resort to advertisements and pop up ads to fund the site. 

For those of us that have quit, and did it while here, think about the amazing support, friendships, and encouragement you received.  Let's pay it forward so new members can enjoy the same benefits we have.  I chose hearts as the background here, not because of Valentines day, but because I think this place thrives and survives because of the giant, kind and caring hearts in the people that come here.  So!  Here's the details again!  I will post the details every day until the end of February.

• The Fundraiser will run from February 1 through February 29.
• This will be a 50/50 raffle, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
• 1st place prize will be awarded 25% of the total donations.
• 2nd place prize will be awarded 15% of the total donations.
• 3rd place price will be awarded 10% of the total donations.
• The winners will be determined by a drawing.  For every $10.00 you donate, a ticket with your name will be put into the prize basket.
• Pledges will be accepted, but tickets with your name will not be put into the prize basket until the monies are received. 
• Drawing will be held the 2nd week in March to allow for U.S. Mail delays for those that wish to donate by check.  Do not send CASH.
• Gift Certificates will be from participating merchants at the QSJ SHOPPING MALL!!!!!!!!!!

If you have not stopped by our Mall yet, please do so!  Get ready to do some shopping!  The link to the Mall is here:
http://www.vlinder-01.dds.nl/qsj/qsj_mall.htm

You may donate with a personal check by mailing it to:

QUIT SMOKING JOURNALS
PO BOX 850
PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ 08550

Or pay on-line securely via Pay Pal by clicking the link below:

Note:  All mailed donations must be postmarked by February 29, 2008.  All On-line donations must be posted to Pay Pal by the same date, 12:00AM.

*To avoid any conflict of interest, QSJ Administrators will not be eligible for tickets for any donations that they may wish to give.

submitted by Fundraising team member:  Judy

I love the new entry and background Judy - good job!

THIS NOTE IS TO ALL THOSE THAT HAVE ALREADY DONATED:

I know a lot of the names of folks that have donated, but not all of them!  Would everyone who has donated please email me (it's in my profile here in this journal) with your real name and your site name so I can make sure you are in the drawing, and I'm not giving out your 3D name here in this journal.

Also, if you emailed me or noted that your dollars are to go to QSJ and not the 50/50 please let me know that too.  I'm keeping a list but want to be sure no mistakes are made.

THANK YOU!

Judy

Who will the winners be?????

Love this background ... very soft!

 Judy, wud it be better to enter the 50/50 then donate the winnings if we want?

Good thought from motivated... It would be more fun!

But maybe more confusing to you.