Band of Pride Fundraiser

[LookingForResults]

So, which part of the current athletic budget should we cut to fund this?

Bowling, soccer and volleyball! (Please!) But in a more serious vein, no athletic budget cuts are required to send the entire band and spirit contingent. The money could be raised primarily from private funding if DR would agree to make any reasonably serious commitment to this effort (which he could). He has completely refused to do so.

Private funding assistance is standing by, but insists on a first commitment from DR.

[maverick]

Are you saying there are private donors who know there is a need, have the ability to help, and want to help--but won't until they are asked by the right person?

[sportdawg]

Are you saying there are private donors who know there is a need, have the ability to help, and want to help--but won't until they are asked by the right person?

I think that is what he is saying. He probably includes himself in that list.

[TYLERTECHSAS]

Considering the band doesn't fall under the purvey of the athletics department, how is the A.D. to blame? He doesn't control their budget or how they spend their money, and isn't responsible for their funding.

100% agreement!

[Dirtydawg]

He is responsible for the overall game atmosphere and how our university is portrayed through athletics. There is a reason he has been in meetings with the groups.

Of course there is a reason he's been meeting with them. Just as he has met with those in charge of the parachute people who parachuted in before the game last year, just as he met with the YMCA people to organize the "pee wee" football game at halftime, just as he meets with any group that plans to participate in the gameday experience. It doesn't mean he's responsible for getting funding for their participation.

[Dirtydawg]

Private funding assistance is standing by, but insists on a first commitment from DR.

Are you saying there are private donors who know there is a need, have the ability to help, and want to help--but won't until they are asked by the right person?

I'm the last person who will suppose I can tell someone how to spend their money, and would never base my opinion of anyone on how he/she does. My personal opinion is that how a person spends the fruit of his labor and intelligence isn't my business, but I don't understand this type of thinking. Maybe that's why I don't have much to speak of. And this isn't directed at anyone in particular, but could someone who holds to this line of thought please explain to me the reasoning? It seems to me if you want to help, and you know where to give that help and how, why wouldn't you go ahead and give? For my part, I know that Tech will always need any financial help I can give, and for the legacy of my children and the memories I've cherished thanks to my affiliation to Tech, when I'm able to give, I do without having to be personally asked. Unfortunately, that hasn't been too much of late. Is it ego of wanting to have someone in charge acknowledge that you are needed, or is it because of a more pragmatic notion such as wanting to have said person explain in detail how the money will be used? I'm truly interested to know. Maybe I'll learn something about how to better manage my finances and not be such and easy charity target.

[rlmiddle]

Robken has been in meetings all morning trying to get an exact number of members we can take. Actual facts from this meeting:
The bowl gives $750,000 to the WAC and the WAC gives Tech $375,000 for bowl expenses. From that the athletic department is trying to secure two charter flights at the cost of $110,000 each - so that's 220,000 of the budget. If things workout for chartering two planes: each flight has 175 seats - 210 are for the football team, 10 for Dr. Reneau and company, 15 for cheer - leaving 115 for band. Out of that 115, eight are directors, staff, and admin, leaving 107 playing members - a lot better than the initial projection of 50 playing members and half staff, however, we still need help to try to raise funds for an additional 25 members that are able and willing to participate. We would need to raise about 20-25,000 to take the whole band.
The alumni association has set up a Band Travel Account. The goal is to have this account and fundraise for it, so Tech is never in this situation again. (football and basketball postseason)
If you would like to make a donation you can contact Lisa Smith at the Alumni Center at 318-255-7950.
Thank you all who have expressed support for the Band of Pride, thank you for any and all donations. It would be greatly appreciated.

210 seems like a high number for the football team. I not suggesting that anyone associated with the football team should stay home so a band member can go, I just curious as to the breakout of this number. I understand that we have 85 scholarship players, other scout players, coaches, trainers, equipment people etc. Does anyone have a general idea of the breakout on the 210 count for the football team?

[Dirtydawg]

210 seems like a high number for the football team. I not suggesting that anyone associated with the football team should stay home so a band member can go, I just curious as to the breakout of this number. I understand that we have 85 scholarship players, other scout players, coaches, trainers, equipment people etc. Does anyone have a general idea of the breakout on the 210 count for the football team?

Not sure how many walk-ons, redshirts, etc... can go. I'm sure part of that number is made up of coaches' families (wives, kids).

[Champ967]

I'm the last person who will suppose I can tell someone how to spend their money, and would never base my opinion of anyone on how he/she does. My personal opinion is that how a person spends the fruit of his labor and intelligence isn't my business, but I don't understand this type of thinking. Maybe that's why I don't have much to speak of. And this isn't directed at anyone in particular, but could someone who holds to this line of thought please explain to me the reasoning? It seems to me if you want to help, and you know where to give that help and how, why wouldn't you go ahead and give? For my part, I know that Tech will always need any financial help I can give, and for the legacy of my children and the memories I've cherished thanks to my affiliation to Tech, when I'm able to give, I do without having to be personally asked. Unfortunately, that hasn't been too much of late. Is it ego of wanting to have someone in charge acknowledge that you are needed, or is it because of a more pragmatic notion such as wanting to have said person explain in detail how the money will be used? I'm truly interested to know. Maybe I'll learn something about how to better manage my finances and not be such and easy charity target.

Whenever I want someone to give me money ... be it the bank, a grantor, a client, a donor, my parents, or the Almighty ... I first must ask them nicely.

I dont think it's an unreasonable expectation. I love to give to causes I support. But I like to be asked nicely first.

[DFWDawg]

Whenever I want someone to give me money ... be it the bank, a grantor, a client, a donor, my parents, or the Almighty ... I first must ask them nicely.

I dont think it's an unreasonable expectation. I love to give to causes I support. But I like to be asked nicely first.

Precisely. I did call and donate but I have budget to give more if it appeared anyone actually cared enough to ask.

[Champ967]

Precisely. I did call and donate but I have budget to give more if it appeared anyone actually cared enough to ask.

Thank you.

If it aint important enough to ask, then it aint important enough to give ...

[DogtorEvil]

I am positive that TYLERTECHSAS can reach down is his pocket and pull out $150k in pocket change from some trousers he was about to send to the cleaners

[DogtorEvil]

heck, we might be able to sneak into his house and raid under the seat cushions in a few couches and chairs an rack up a mil or two

[BSmith]

The original projections of $25,000 was a best case scenario. We are still in need of money if we want to get the whole group there. If you can, please help the regal blues as well.

We appreciate all the support from y'all!

[Dirtydawg]

I hope I didn't give the impression that I think it's unreasonable to want to be asked. I see nothing wrong with that even though I personally don't care if I'm asked or not. I guess what gets me is my experience of getting help (not necessarily money) from people who supposedly have your best interest at heart but won't help unless you ask. It comes across as demeaning to me and the primary reason for wanting to be asked is so they can hold it over you-show they have some sort of power over you. (I'm not talking about members on this board)

Whenever I want someone to give me money ... be it the bank, a grantor, a client, a donor, my parents, or the Almighty ... I first must ask them nicely.

I dont think it's an unreasonable expectation. I love to give to causes I support. But I like to be asked nicely first.