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So, what does this have to do with anything?
August 22, 2005
By Cam Tait
Items that might grow up one day, but for right now, they're sure cute...
It's a shame, in a way, that big-ticket items at charity auctions are often bought by the same people. This isn't criticizing their support of community projects. In fact, we are lucky to have people who share their resources with everyone else. But how many golf clubs/hockey sticks/pictures or - you name it - does one need? I feel sorry for folks who don't get a sniff at the once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as a round of golf and a few pops with Tiger Woods. Although they do bring in big money, it's only people who can already afford such things who raise their hands in the bidding. One thought might be to have a raffle on big-ticket items so everyone at the event had an equal shot. Or am I being picky?
How come nobody ever e-mails me in the summer? I'm lonely.
Along the golf cart path, up on a little hill, just before the tee box, overlooking a dogleg right par-five hole with lots of trees and visible sand traps, lo and behold, there was a Mexican band - a guitar player, a drummer, and someone on keyboards. They were good, too. But if you're ever at a professional golf event people whisper. A golf tournament is supposed to be quiet. Granted, this was a charity event so the Mexican band didn't draw any dirty looks from marshals, or for that matter, golfers. But it raises an interesting question: if we keep adding more and more attractions to already established events do we forget why we're there? Or, does it give more people a chance to contribute?
And while we have the clubs out, does anyone think charity golf tournaments are getting longer and longer? You have a bite to eat before the game, tee it up, enjoy a round that could go anywhere from six to eight hours, have dinner, prizes, and an auction. Is that too long? Or is it a great way to share the day?
Let me check my e-mail. I'll be right back. No new messages.
It's a shame to see graffiti on the bus bench ad for a children's hospital.
I beg your pardon, but I have to ask. Do you like reading 600-word essays on my thoughts of the charity scene? Or, 600-word profiles on people - volunteers and staff members - who are the backbone of charities? Or, every now and then, do you like do read 600-word pieces with issues, wise cracks, comments, recipes or anything else?
It will be interesting to read the new report coming out in the near future on volunteerism. We know, only too well, that the number of people sharing their time in the community is way down compared to what it used to be. The reasons vary, of course, but here's what I want to know: was the last report a mere blip on the radar screen or is volunteering in this country truly taking a nosedive?
How do you apply to become Governor General? And why don't we ever see an application form?
I'm going to check my e-mail again. I hope I get some because it's really getting annoying sending myself messages and then trying to make sense of them.
Thanks for stopping by.
Cam Tait is a sports reporter and columnist for the Edmonton Journal. He covered community investments and volunteers for 19 years. E-mail Cam at cam@charityvillage.com with thoughts, suggestions or ideas.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
