Spearmint Charity Donation Thread - Post Here

[RgrF]

I agree. Why did you decide what was the right way?

[dmann]

Ok, I'm done. With The Lope, it was easy, the family requested donations to a specific organization. Mint's family has not done that as of yet (and I did say we were waiting to hear from them) so in the meantime, we're doing the best we can.

For the record *I* did not decide ANYTHING. The suggestions I listed were based on those from other forum members.

If anyone is interested in the group donation, please PM me and we'll work it out.

DM

[RgrF]

If I seem upset I am. Kids should be playing sports, not watching them. They can do that on their X-Box or Wii or almost anywhere. Spend any money you want, but do it in a positive manner.

Major League Baseball doesn't need that money, Little League does!

[lafinfil]

[quote dmann]Ok, I'm done. With The Lope, it was easy, the family requested donations to a specific organization. Mint's family has not done that as of yet (and I did say we were waiting to hear from them) so in the meantime, we're doing the best we can.

For the record *I* did not decide ANYTHING. The suggestions I listed were based on those from other forum members.

If anyone is interested in the group donation, please PM me and we'll work it out.

DM

No good deed goes unpunished

: -)

OK - here's the deal

Please put your suggestions here

This is not a place to argue about it and any further posts that are just being argumentive will be pulled.

When a decision is made by the group as to appropriate charities, individuals will have a choice
to participate or not. No one is forcing anyone to participate. You are welcome to do whatever you like on your own.

[Carnos Jax]

I realize everyone might be a little emotional now. dmann, keep up the good work, don't get discouraged. RgrF, glad you care enough to let your position be known. Keep it coming. Let's all get our opinions out here. Don't worry about clashing with another's idea. This is a forum, we'll sort it out in the end.

[PeterB]

I really like 'fil's PAWS suggestion. I think Minty would have wanted or liked something of this sort -- donate in his name, to speak for animals that cannot speak for themselves.

[RgrF]

OK. I'll say it one more time.

I'm a coach at my local park and have been for 6 years. Our local park has a very active and sophisticated sports schedule. It costs a 10-year old player $130 to join a basketball or baseball team. Many of the families who live nearby are excluded from playing in a city park league because of these costs.

I'd suggest that you contact your local park and offer to pay for one child to have one season of organized sport before paying for a single ticket to any professional sporting event. If you don't know where to call ask information for your local YMCA, Boys Club or Parks and Recreation Department.

If you are anywhere near LA, PM me.

[AlphaDog]

Mint's family is still tending to tasks, like dealing with his apartment and personal items, so, as of late yesterday, no plans of any kind had been made. His sister was hoping to have time today to compose an obituary and plan some kind of memorial. If we can hold off for another couple of days, the family might make it easier for us by stating what they'd like.

I'm sure that each of us who communicated with Mint privately for any period of time saw a slightly different aspect of his personality. The fact there is no consensus about what he might have supported really isn't at all surprising to me! I do know what I want to do, based on the guy I knew, so any of us who feel the ultimate group decision doesn't match our personal preference can surely do something on their own in his name.

[rgG]

I think Minty would appreciate any good deed done in his honor.

[Panopticon]

OK, so we're talking baseball and kids.
This may be a 'no brainer', but I know of a great organization. The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation http://www.ripkenfoundation.org/about/history/

[quote ABOUT -]
We are a 501©(3) non-profit organization, founded in 2001 by members of the Ripken family in memory of their patriarch Cal, Sr. We work to create baseball and softball programs and facilities that positively impact disadvantaged youth by combining the principles represented by the Ripken name, the power of Cal, Jr. as a modern day hero and role model, and the universal appeal of baseball. We strive to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences that use the magic of the big leagues to inspire kids to be the best that they can be, to dream a dream that someday they can achieve great things.

However, the challenge is sizable. Today, more than 7 million American kids struggle with poverty, obesity, poor quality of education, the lack of adult role models, or the persistent presence of drugs and violence. Through baseball and softball, the Foundation works with kids in need to instill leadership qualities, a strong work ethic, sportsmanship and healthy habits.