to all the 17,456 Az'ers - just my thoughts?

Yes that is certainly not a problem to do,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

We need

someone to manage the money and expenditures. We need a paypal accouint we can pay into, and then that person can oversee the expenditures out of the account.

The AZ Christmas fund. Mike, your thoughts please.

Love the idea, just tell me where to donate!

Here's the problem you are going to run into. Taxes. Unless you are a tax-exempt non-profit organization you have to pay income tax on all income, even if it goes right back out as a donation. It is a book-keeping nightmare. We came up against this problem with the Pro Player Travel Fund and had to go to the BCA and hide behind their tax-exempt status and STILL there are problems with the IRS. If you have money coming in, no matter where it goes, the IRS demands a cut.

But good luck with this. If you can overcome the problems and actually set this up Mike and I will certainly contribute. We already have enough programs on our plates at AZB and cannot take on another at this point so let us know who spearheads this.

Thanks for the honesty, Jerry. It is important that we get the straight dope from someone familiar with the details.

I am in too, BTW!

srs314 said:

Love the idea, just tell me where to donate!

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I'm sure the Boys and Girls clubs across America would appreciate a donation. I give a small amount each year to the local club so they can replace a broken stick or missing balls. They can use new tips and chalk as well.

Great idea, I'm in. Let me know how to contribute.

My next door neighbors son now owns my Huebler.

Big deal! Just send in $1.25 or $2.50...then the IRS can have their 25%.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Jerry Forsyth said:

Here's the problem you are going to run into. Taxes. Unless you are a tax-exempt non-profit organization you have to pay income tax on all income, even if it goes right back out as a donation. It is a book-keeping nightmare. We came up against this problem with the Pro Player Travel Fund and had to go to the BCA and hide behind their tax-exempt status and STILL there are problems with the IRS. If you have money coming in, no matter where it goes, the IRS demands a cut.

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Jerry Forsyth said:

Here's the problem you are going to run into. Taxes. Unless you are a tax-exempt non-profit organization you have to pay income tax on all income, even if it goes right back out as a donation. It is a book-keeping nightmare. We came up against this problem with the Pro Player Travel Fund and had to go to the BCA and hide behind their tax-exempt status and STILL there are problems with the IRS. If you have money coming in, no matter where it goes, the IRS demands a cut.

But good luck with this. If you can overcome the problems and actually set this up Mike and I will certainly contribute. We already have enough programs on our plates at AZB and cannot take on another at this point so let us know who spearheads this.

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Taxes? No taxes were paid when we all sent Rude Dog to the US Open.
Also, I believe I already paid taxes on the money I donate. Does that count or do they want to tax it again?
Purd

Anyone an accountant?

Jerry Forsyth said:

Here's the problem you are going to run into. Taxes. Unless you are a tax-exempt non-profit organization you have to pay income tax on all income, even if it goes right back out as a donation. It is a book-keeping nightmare. We came up against this problem with the Pro Player Travel Fund and had to go to the BCA and hide behind their tax-exempt status and STILL there are problems with the IRS. If you have money coming in, no matter where it goes, the IRS demands a cut.

But good luck with this. If you can overcome the problems and actually set this up Mike and I will certainly contribute. We already have enough programs on our plates at AZB and cannot take on another at this point so let us know who spearheads this.

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Can someone contact their accountant in regards to this question? Or better yet, is an AZ'er an accountant? Perhaps, there is a somewhat easy solution for this great idea...

I'll see your tax-evation & raise you 2 counts of illegal gambling and conspiracy....

What about somebody (a.k.a The Raffler) doing a raffle and each spot would be $1.00-$2.00 and the winner would get an autographed photo of the Raffler's favorite pet or something like that. The Raffler would donate the $$$. Would something like that work? A charity auction or raffle of sorts? Is that less illegal than the tax issues with a charity fund? Any other thoughts on how we could do this?

You know another idea might be a donations or charity section or sticky. My thoughts are if somebody knows of some place, organization or individual that needs money or pool-related stuff like new balls, chalk, a light, some kid that needs a cue, they post the information. And whoever can help, does whatever they can, whether it's donating cash or their old cubes of chalk, a handful of tips, whatever they have.
In my mind this is how it would work:

AZ member #1 "Hey my local church/Eagles club/B&G club found two old tables that they'd like to get set up. I've offered to help them recover them and I'll be give lessons/instructions and supervising about 2 hours a week. But we're in need of all the other paraphanelia. Can anybody help?
AZ member #2 "Yeah, I have an old set of balls that I don't use anymore, give me their address and I'll get them sent out"
AZ member #3 "Hey, #2 I'll pay for shipping, let me know"
AZ member #4 "I have 3 old bar cues from back in 1977 when I got my first table"
AZ member #5 "Hey #1, I live just 40 minutes away, let me know if you need help recovering those tables".
AZ member #6 "I have 4 boxes of green chalk that I don't use anymore, I'll bring them to the tournametn next week. See you there"
AZ member #7 "hey Joe (aka #1) nice seeing you last night, I'm serious about what I said. I'll help out if you want to run a tournament with those kids sometime. Just give me a call"

I've been very impressed with some of the similar "good deed" threads and posts that have come up like this. People really stepping up to the plate.

Good Luck & Much Success With This Timely Idea

smokey said:

all of us love this wonderful game, and for sure, we all love 'our' kids [even Az'er kids love littler kids too], so -

Please let's DO something for 'our kids' this year!

can I ask you all something?

can all of our members - "you" - 17,456 of you/us - spare $2.00? or, even $1.00?

can we do this? will 'all [most]' of you give just a very little?

please let me know, i hope so,
thank you,
smokey

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Smokey,
It's a great idea, but you have to get away from that 17,456 Members figure.
Here is page 1 of the Member's list and if you click on each subsequent page, you will see the same thing http://forums.azbilliards.com/memberlist.php

A more realistic figure might be around 2,000 'contributing' members, which is still a respectable number of cash donations... imo

Doug
(look at post counts since joining and last date visiting this site)

My wife and I donate to a few organizations and sponsor a child, but I would be willing to kick in a few bucks!!!

Just let me know where and when.....:smile:

Russ......

After I read this I went down to the local Boys and Girls club today. Checked out their table and equipment, asked about possibly donating some house cues and chalk. The idea was well received and I am on my way to the shop to make the order. It was good to visit a place with the intent of helping, and it is something each and every one of us can accomplish.

If we all spent $.50 to buy an envelope, mail it to smokey with $2 in it, chances are the government isn't going to care. Let him take the donations and give it where he sees fit.

A brief case of singles brought to his local YMCA! Blues brothers style of course.

LoGiC said:

If we all spent $.50 to buy an envelope, mail it to smokey with $2 in it, chances are the government isn't going to care. Let him take the donations and give it where he sees fit.

A brief case of singles brought to his local YMCA! Blues brothers style of course.

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We're on a mission. A mission from GOD.

Doug
(and God spelled backwards is Doug........because the U is silent) imo


*Make your donation checks out to the Department Of Unreported Gifts............. or, D.O.U.G.
(and give until it hurts)

Smokey,

Let me know buddy.

Regards,
Koop

I'm in! And I kid you not!