13 Comments
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Kitty's avatar

Totally off topic: Dan, please send one of Child #1’s school pictures.

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Dan Mangiavellano's avatar

I'm glad you mentioned this! I've had the pictures in my briefcase for weeks and forgot all about it. I wonder where Child #1 gets it...

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Denise Powers's avatar

I remember Angda. Dan Ithink you were going to write a childrens book about the year we has Easter dinner with Angda.

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Angda Goel's avatar

Hi Mrs. Powers! I remember that Easter, but not a children’s book. Was it about a Hindu who grew up Catholic?

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Denise Powers's avatar

You could be correct. I just remember Dan saying it would be about you saving Easter for us. You had the pan we needed to cook the ham.

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Dan Mangiavellano's avatar

I have many, many ideas for children's books, Denise. I haven't the slightest idea how to write one, but this walk down memory lane is inspiring me. I remember that Easter when you and Angda met. Long time ago!

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Julie Marsiglio's avatar

This post reminds me of the commercials I see for several great causes or organizations all stating - give this amount monthly and get a blanket or this or that as a thank you. The impact is the thank you. Gift not needed. Good post/point again Dan - as usual. Thank you!

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Dan Mangiavellano's avatar

As usual, Julie Marsiglio marches into the Comments section and drops in two sentences what's at the heart of a post: "The impact is the thank you" is absolutely right on. Love this!

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KH's avatar

Wow! I’m horrified and disappointed that this is what fundraising has become. Way too many gift incentives being given to kids who have too much already.

Great article though. Thanks for educating me.

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Dan Mangiavellano's avatar

Hi, KH. I'd say that is how some fundraising works. Not all. Above, Julie M has a banger of a comment about "the impact is the thank you" which I think is the dominant sentiment among organizations and fundraisers. It may not be articulated as bluntly as that, but I think that's the underlying sentiment.

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david powers's avatar

Not only kids. We recently lost my mother, child 1 and 2's great grandmother. I am now getting her mail. She daily gets stickers, post it notes, greeting cards, and last week two different quarters, stuck to requests for donations. I am sure she did not give for the prizes. (But she kept them all)

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Angda Goel's avatar

Sorry for your loss! My dad gets pennies, blank holiday cards, and all sorts of “thank you in advance” gifts as well. He apparently has dozens of organizations that get a $5-$10 check from him

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david powers's avatar

Sounds very familiar!

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