Why Teh BoyAlley Didn't Get Involved In The NoCarrier "Samuel" Auction

Well I'm a little surprised by the fact that I've been criticized for not getting involved in the auction for NoCarrier's son, especially considering I've raised almost $20,000 in the last two months for industry causes by being the first to hold a sig auction for charity.

So, I guess I should explain WHY I chose not to get involved.

Let me first start off by saying I wish NoCarrier and his family the best of luck in the world, and hope with all my heart that his son is soon healthy and happy again.

As someone that makes large donations to over a half dozen causes a year, and who has worked for years to raise money for dozens of other organizations, I've seen things like this a lot.

While the heart of this community is good, I think people rushed into starting this auction and giving these large donations without thinking things through. When people see a child in need, they jump to help, leaving practicality behind. That's why those that organize fundraisers for things like this have to be so careful.

The truth is, being a concerned parent, NoCarrier came on here asking for donations before really even knowing what his needs were. Again, I'm not faulting him for doing that, it's a natural reaction.

In less than 24 hours, things have gone from "we need $150,000 at least to pay for treatment" to "he can get treated here in Canada for free, but this money will help with household bills". His son's diagnosis has gone from a "glioma type tumor", to not being sure what it is at this point. (this thread)

Again, I am in NO WAY faulting NoCarrier. But this is often how situations like this play out. It's also why most people of means make donations to non profit charities, instead of directly to individuals. Charity organizations know what families go through, and are a clear headed third-party to make sure that donor money goes to where it's needed, and to what the donors originally intended it to go for.

NoCarrier is a father whose son is in trouble, and he reached out to get him help like any father would.

Personally, I don't think NoCarrier needs financial donations at this point. It appears that all he'll be out of pocket financially is some lost income from his wife not working for a while to take care of their son. Certainly things like the $25,000 loan he got from the bank can take care of that, and I think it's an appropriate way to handle such short-term financial difficulties.

I think what NoCarrier DOES need is a third-party with a clear head that can think rationally for the family, and help them interface with those organizations that exist to help families like his at times like this.

I really hope that this thread doesn't make me look like a cold-hearted asshole. When it comes to charity, it's a matter of need. Where is money needed most, and for what purpose. NoCarrier's son will be getting free treatment, and through a loan, they have the means to deal with short-term financial difficulties arising from 1 parent not working for a period of time.

How many people on here have gone through that same situation, where 1 parent was out of work? The need for many many many people is so much greater than that, including people that work in our industry.

When we as an industry seek to raise large sums of money, I think we have to do so with a calm, clear head, and a good vision of what the funds we raise will be used for.

Again, I wish only the best for your son NoCarrier, and only the best for the rest of your family as well.