With the closing time for donations to be received having been set for 11:59 p.m. Dec. 27, I can safely say that we raised a total of approximately $850 (I say approximate due to the fees and me just throwing in money to the top to make it even.) A pre-paid visa card will go out early next week in the amount of $250 due to some of the donations being e-checks from overseas and not clearing until the end of the month (and Due to New Years, all the post offices being closed, etc.)
Thank you to everyone who donated to this event and has encouraged us to try and do something similar next year (To be determined…)
Well, we all know that you are wondering about a number of things today, now that the Christmas rush is over. Tony and John videoed the whole event, but due to the Christmas holidays and family time, couldn’t edit the videos till yesterday and posted them on Facebook. Due to my holiday business, I’m just now getting to post them here.
Here’s the Delivery Video. I hear there are outtake reels as well.
Friday night I braved the crowds and crazed Christmas shoppers to purchase the red, 25th anniversary Wii for Rylee from Wal-mart. Reason for purchasing from there: anyone who purchased the Wii also received a $75 gift certificate from Walmart. We figured that the family could use this as well and seeing it came at no cost to us, we thought it was the best of both worlds.
So I stopped there, purchased the Wii and Donkey Kong Country Returns. Then headed over to the nearby Gamestop to purchase the Wiimote and Nunchuck bundles (I managed to get two red bundles, one black) and the chargers. Then off to FedExOffice to ship out to Tony.
We purchased guaranteed shipping to get it there by Dec. 22. It arrived in Tony’s hands on Dec. 20, so way early. Got home Friday night, ordered the stuffed Donkey Kongs, which are in transit to Tony’s via USPS.
Now the second part of the plan has been completed (items ordered and mostly in Tony’s hands), part three is coming to life with Tony and John from Hard4Games planning to go out to Rylee’s family on Thursday to deliver the presents. John will be dressed up as Santa to make the event even better. They will be recording a video of the event for all donators to be able to see.
Donations are still being accepted to achieve the $1,000 raised goal. WE only need around $240 to meet that goal.
Below are pictures taken of the items and the scans of receipts.
Just so everyone knows, this is my current plans for donations.
We want to raise enough money to purchase the items no later than Dec. 22. The sooner we can purchase them the better. I will however, continue pushing and running the fundraiser through 11:59 p.m. CST, Dec. 27. This will allow folks to make cash donations to the family as well and gives time for folks who may be waiting for paychecks or cash Christmas gifts to donate that might not have been able to donate before now.
Any money over the amount needed to purchase the items will be put on a pre-paid Visa and sent to the family via certified mail.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let me know.
Check out this video from Tony, owner of Hard4Games explaining the plight of this family. The video is being featured on ScrewAttack.com as well tonight and this weekend.
As of 8:30 p.m. today, we have received slightly over $300 in donations. The graphic will be updated once a day, once I get off of work. However I will post updates as I can to the Operation: Christmas Kong facebook as well. Thank you to everyone who has donated thus far.
