Hi All,

I've been meaning to get this topic moving, but have been so busy...and after reading about Cecil and Sue's ordeal this morning, it motivated me to get it done.

I have spent the last few days reading over all of the threads during my time in Puerto Rico. I am still amazed and in awe of how wonderful EVERYONE was during my time of need. From those that contributed to the pay pal fund (Bonaire Talk Fund), sending me things, and just as importantly, those that posted daily and gave me the much needed emotional support during the ordeal. Without your support, I'm not sure I would have been able to come through this ordeal sane (well, I'm still slightly insane from it all).

I didn't use all of the funds that you contributed to the Bonaire Talk Fund while I was in Puerto Rico. After discussion with Jake, Linda and Kelly, our idea was to keep the money in the fund and have "Trustees" overseeing the account (those that contributed would elect or designate them). It could be me, Jake or Linda, Kelly, or anyone else you would like to "elect."

I currently have the checkbook. Currently there is $2051.49 in the account. There is a $5.95 monthly maintenance fee, and one suggestion would be to move the account to a bank that does not charge the monthly fee (I know my bank, Union Bank of California does not charge a maintenance fee).

Suggestions for what to do with the money are:

1. Keep it for future Bonaire Talk member "emergencies" (this is where the Trustees would help, it would need to be a true emergency, i.e., what my situation entailed or something similar - hopefully not as bad as mine though!).

2. Donate a portion to one, or a few Bonaire non profit organizations (Donkey Sanctuary, Turtle Foundation, etc.)

We would like your feedback as to what should be done with the money. Please, only those that contributed should respond, as it is your money as well. If you are not comfortable responding on the forum, please email me with your thoughts. I do have a list of those that contributed (with the exception of the anonymous contributions, thank you:-))

Again, I cannot express the gratitude and thanks that I owe to ALL of you. I just hope someday I can meet more of you, and repay each of you in person with a hug and a bright:-)

Forever in your debt,

Cynde

Cynde, I know we talked about this, but I really like the idea of donating a portion to the donkey sanct. or even possibly Maria Hoppner? If a decision is made before I go to Bonaire next month, I would be happy to deliver funds. I really enjoyed doing that in November with the BT money for Marina at the Donkey Sanctuary. She was so appreciative and it felt so great to do that.

I don't suppose I can convince anyone that it's an emergency that I get back to Bonaire SOON

I missed how this came about, but I'd say donate it someplace so it does good now... I'm sure if/when another emergency came along, a new collection could be quickly arranged.

Ken (or Lisa), I had gone on vacation in March with my husband and mother to Sint Maarten. On our return home, my mom became ill on our lay over in Puerto Rico. She was taken to a hospital in Puerto Rico, and ended up in ICU for 5 weeks and passed away there (your worst vacation nightmare come true). A group of WONDERFUL Bt'ers rallied and sent well wishes, cheescake, cd's, medical supplies, spa treatments, and a plethora of other wondeful things and then a group set up a pay pal account and donated money for expenses (I was in Puerto Rico for the entire time with my mother). Anyway, bottom line, it is for those that donated the money to elect/designate Trustees, and to decide what should be done with the funds....If you want to read the story about my mom (Jake, Linda and Martin even set up a website for her!) Click Here (start reading from the bottom up)

cynde thier should not be a fee on that account and I will refund the fees that were charged and waive the maintence fees .

cynde thier should not be a fee on that account and I will refund the fees that were charged and waive the maintence fees .

Major Kudos to the Bankerchick

el cheeser

hey there gals and guys,
IMHO I think we should donate the $$$$ to one or two or ALL of the needy places on Bon.. Looking at the history of our wonderful community, I think that if something should go wrong again and someone needs funds or stuff, we will rally round again like we have a couple of times already..I realize that having the funds in place already is convienent, but it really only takes a few minutes to figure out the pay pal system....
Lets face it gang.. if someone needs something we all pitch in the best we can, Thats why I love this place!!!! Just my Humble opinion......

I would vote for putting a portion of the funds towards certification of a Bonairean DM. I know there are some very dedicated young people in Mabel's program at Jong Bonaire.

I'm sure the kids sailing program could use a little boost too (both boat and board sailing).

Freddie, I like your thoughts, I agree with you on that!!!

Why don't we create a list of possible organisations we want to give the money to and organise a poll that runs for a couple of weeks? We should restrict new BT-members from voting to prevent people voting multiple times under different accounts. Just an idea.

Hi Peter,
I think the whole idea here is to only have the people that donated to the fund have a say as to where the money will be distributed or if it will be distributed at all..
Hi Dara and Eileen!

I agree with Freddie, send it to Bonaire organizations now and if needed again in the future we can recontribute. I'm saying that thinking my present crisis is covered but I could be wrong and will not know until I talk to Sue again. If that changes I will let everyone know.

Hi Freddie!

Cynde,

I vote for it going to local groups now. I agree with the Supreme One - spread it out. As you know a good way to do this would be through Support Bonaire at http://www.supportbonaire.org/

Tom aka vtdivemaster

After considering the options, I agree with the donation to donate to the Suport Bonaire funds. Thanks for the link Tom!

Hi all, good ideas (we'll let this thread run a few days and see what pans out.)

Christine, thanks for refunding the fees and not having ones continue to incur! You da best!

I vote for local groups too.

I vote for local groups, too, and I particularly like Dara's idea of supporting a local kid becoming a DM -- getting the local population more intimately involved with what makes Bonaire wonderful for so many of us.

Hi gang. I personally would like to see the money go to the donkey sanctuary. Annie B.

Hi gang,
I suggest to use a part of the money to help those who lost their luggage upon arrival... :o)
NO, I AM TEASING YOU !
Just use the money the way you feel it will be the best. Cynde, it is a great idea. You are wonderful, gal.

Hello, Peter and I feel that Jong Bonaire is a good cause and in the long run will best serve the community.

My vote goes to:
supportbonaire.org

My vote goes to Support Bonaire as well.. see this link

Support Bonaire gets my vote.

I will vote for Support Bonaire too.

Support Bonaire seems to be the front runner here......I'm in agreement with whatever you decide, Cynde....I love those little donkeys a LOT, tho! LOL. Carole

PS Joe and I adopted our third donkey this trip...her name is Barbara and she is going to be a Mommy soon! How exciting!~! cb

Since this money was given in the spirit of helping out a person, I'd like to see it go to helping people, such as the Jong Bonaire program or Sr Maria Hoppner Foundation. Just my 2 cents worth...... But I'm agreeable to going with the concensus.

Gail , I think that donating to Support Bonaire we are doing just that.. Moneys could go to the Jong Bonaire or possibly the Hoppner foundation,, It all depends on where it is needed at the time.... here is the site...
Support Bonaire

I think this part of the site is applicable for our purposes...

"Support Bonaire Short Term Project Fund
In addition to our larger scale projects, described above, Support Bonaire regularly finds itself in receipt of requests for smaller one-time donations. For example, at present we are finalizing a grant to cover the purchase of safety equipment for the Bonaire National Marine Park's boats, which are used to teach local children appreciation of the marine environment via snorkeling instruction. And we are also arranging for a grant to the Bonaire Sunfish Sailing Association to pay for the completion of a concrete pad and shelter for the storage of the Association's Sunfish sailboats, used to teach local children how to sail.

Past Projects
Other recent projects have included the donation of a notebook computer to the Sea Turtle Conversation Bonaire (STCB) organization, donations of books to Jong Bonaire, financial contributions to the Donkey Sanctuary, and equipment donations to Maria Hoppner, Nature Alliance, and Wowo di Bario."

~~~~~

Support Bonaire can divy up funds to various non-profit organizations, or all to one. If you would like I can check in the next couple days and find out which ones are still trying to fund a specific project. I know the concrete pad for the Sunfish has been completed.

Hi Cynde - my vote is to donate to support Bonaire!!!
A bit late in getting my 2 cents worth in - been very busy lately!!!

I agree too - Support Bonaire looks like it would be a good way to use the money to benefit others.

OK, it’s been awhile since this was brought up, and no “firm conclusion” was ever reached. There is a little over 2 grand in the account (Christine, BofA is still charging that 5 dollar monthly service fee, I emailed you in regard to it, but haven’t heard back. Can you please check into it again?) [no money has been withdrawn, just the monthly service fee, which hopefully Christine can take a care of]

After discussion options with Jake and Linda again, and how best to distribute the money where those that donated would like, here are options:

1. Those that have expressed where they would like it to go, Maria Hoppner’s, Donkey’s, Jong Bonaire, www.SupportBonaire.org, ect., unless you express otherwise in this thread, or via private email to me, that is where your vote goes.

2. Distribute all of the funds to SupportBonaire.org, and Jake and Linda will divide it evenly amongst those who currently have needs.

3. STINAPA, particularly the Washington Slagbaai Park, had their laptop die recently. Jake had posted in regard to donation of a laptop, however, none was found. They need a “toughbook” type of notebook. One that can handle driving through the park and can get knocked around. It is my understanding that this is their only computer, and as of now, they don’t have one currently.

4. Go to this link that Jake posted, this could be an option as well. I really believe timing is everything…and maybe, this could be a great way we could help an island that was not spared like Bonaire….just a thought.

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/cgi-local/bbs/show.cgi?23830/180806

Again, as said before, ONLY those who contributed to the fund should respond, as they were the one’s that gave to the effort (of which I am in still great debt and gratitude).

I appologize that I haven't "taken care" of this sooner, but I am just now "seeing a little light" at the end of the tunnel, and getting things in order in my life

Thank you again my friends

Cynde

Cynde - maybe it is better that it was not taken care of earlier. I am firm believer in things happening when they are supposed to happen.

Reading the link in Jakes message brought me to tears. What those people are now experiencing on that island is unimaginable and I would vote to help them in any way we can and using the fund for that - would be putting it to good use.

Hugs to you!!!

Mary

Just my two cents - while there's no question the money can be used by Bonaire non-profits, I can't think that they would need it more than those left on the Caymans trying to recover from Ivan the Terrible - the tragedy there makes everything else (at least for me) pale in comparison.

However, I could also understand the reluctance of others in sending funds raised from BonaireTalkers to help out a fellow BTer to something that was unrelated to Bonaire.

Jake (speaking purely for myself)

My vote goes to the Caymans.

If the concensus isn't this, then my second choice is Jong Bonaire. Because -- I feel that much of the negative things that we talk/read about happening on Bonaire might be helped a bit by the sort of programs JB offers. The teenagers on Bonaire need some outreach, and I don't know of anyone else on Bonaire offering programs for teens. If I'm wrong on this, I'd appreciate further info.

Josie

As for the recent referendum, my above vote for
supportbonaire.org was not binding, I'm OK with support for Cayman Islands!
Chet

I am also for the Cayman Islands support!! I just read the chat board from the site Jake listed ,Storm Caribe, and I can't begin to imagine what they are going through....God Bless them all!!

I vote also for the Cayman fund if it happens, if not Jong Bonaire.

Vote for the Cayman Fund if not then Jong Bonaire.

The Cayman's need is far outstanding than the "extras" for Bonaire - send it to the Cayman's.

I too believe in things happening for a reason......

Personally, I gave money to help someone who was in an extremely unfortunate situation and needed help. It seems the folks in the Caymans definitely are - please include my portion in the check for the Caymans.

Cynde - you are always thinking of others. You amaze me.

Everyone - while I was trapped in a jury lounge waiting to see if they would call me for jury duty - I had an idea!!!
What do you think if donate the fund in the name of Cynde's mom?!?!

In memory of Velva Lee!?!?! What a great way to honor a special lady who has a very special daughter!!!

I would support using the money to help with the Cayman disaster...especially in honor of Velva.

My second choice, would be Jong Bonaire.

OK, I posted on the Ivan/Caymans thread the letter I sent to them, along with a check for $900.00. The remainder has been sent to SupportBonaire.org, and they will distribute the funds to those having needs currently. Here is the letter to them:

To Whom It May Concern,

Please accept this check in the amount of $1160.00. Please distribute these funds to active projects for SupportBonaire.org, as per the Board’s discretion, and not simply put into the General Fund.

This donation is made in the memory of Velva Joan Lee, and is given by the people from www.oldbonairetalk.com.

Again, I can't thank all of you enough for what you did for me in Puerto Rico.

Thank you, Cynde....I know Mom is smiling down on all of us right now! Carole