Weiner? You decide.
So, I mentioned the HP Magic Giveaway in my last post. As I said, I first found out about the contest from Moosh in Indy about a week or so ago, and I’m entering at several different sites - I realize it’s highly unlikely I’ll win, but you can’t win if you don’t play, right?
One thing most of these contests have in common is the request that the winner share the $6000 worth of technology with someone/thing/entity less fortunate or more worthy. I had to really think… if I won four computers, a printer, a media center thingy, some Windows software, and a couple of other extras, who would I share it with? I’d love to say family and friends, but they don’t really need it. We all have jobs that we’re not in danger of losing, we can all provide for our families without relying on the charity of others or public assistance. That left me with strangers. But how would I find these strangers?
Each year, my coworkers in our mid-sized IT department sponsor at least one family through the United Christmas Service. These are families who can’t afford the most basic of things - cookware, clothing, winter coats/mittens/hats - and are immensely grateful for the things they have. This year our department is sponsoring three families, and I’d be willing to bet that none of them have access to technology like this in their homes. Sure, they can probably use a computer at the local library, and I’m sure the kids can use them at school, but wouldn’t it be great if they could do anything and everything they need from the comfort of their home? If I won this prize package, I would donate three of the computers the three notebooks to these families. Would I like to keep all of the prize package for myself? Honestly? Yes. Who wouldn’t want more geekery and gadgets than they could ever need? But it would feel awfully good to share it with others who could really, really use it.
I would keep the TouchSmart and the printer to replace my 7 year old desktop, which would also be donated to a charitable organization. The one piece of hardware I wasn’t sure about was the MediaConnect Media Center… I don’t really have use for it, so I would donate it to fundraising efforts for the JDRF. The company I work for does a lot of fundraising for this organization throughout the year, and I think the MediaConnect would make a great item for the next raffle or silent auction, don’t you?
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7-Dec, ETA: Added a link above to Merlot Mom. I could retype the same post over and over again, but I’d rather just keep adding links.
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11-Dec, ETA: Added a link above to Stop, Drop and Blog. I’ve also added a little to the post… I’ve had time to think some more about what I’d do with this package…
9 Responses to “Weiner? You decide.”
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I like how you added to the post for each contest, instead of separate entries (which I did, but it’s taking over my blog a little, lol!)
You’ve come up with a great way to share the prize - good luck to you!
Excellent ideas for what to do with those computers! Good luck!
It has been so fun to read everybody’s plans. Compared to the lottery, you’ve got great odds! Good luck!
kewl ideas for helping out Good luck and Merry Christmas
Peter
http://peterifranco.wordpress.com/2008/12/11/hp-magic-giveaway-living-in-theory/
One great thing about working is the charitable causes you get to participate in they set up. It sounds like these three families really could use some magic this season and having had experience running a silent auction, the smartmedia product would yield a great result for that! Creative idea!
Good luck in all of the contests you’ve entered. Please enjoy a joyful, peaceful holiday season!
I love that you work for a company that makes a difference every year.
I also love the thought you put into how you would share the prizes if you won.
Best of luck to you in the contests, and continued successes to you and your family.
Merry Christmas!
I hear that the TouchSmart is very nice. Good choice.
It has crossed my mind as I read all of these blog entries that there is a big gap in how we are helping people. It is an amazing thing to be able to gift someone with a 700-1200 dollar computer. But in this day an age, a computer without internet access has limited utility. As IT professionals, how do we organize/start an organization that can help subsidize decent internet access for families with school aged children or single parents who are trying to work from home, or home bound folks who are trying to learn or be productive?? I think this deserves a blog post, I will write more on this, but email me if this sparks something in you and you are interested in brainstorming.
The United Christmas Service sounds AWESOME!!! That would be great if you won! Thanks for sharing from the heart about how you would share from the heart!