As we approach the end of the year here in the Collector Forums, it is also time to look to the future. This has been an active year in the Forums, with many discussions covering a wide variety of topics. The members have interacted not only on-line here in the Forums, but have also met at various events around the country. The Forums have provided the catalyst for many friendships; have facilitated many gatherings of lighthouse friends; and, have helped to raise funds for and supported lighthouse preservation projects.

Unfortunately, it costs a fair amount to pay for these Forums each year – about $2600 in costs between the fees to the web host and a needed upgrade to the software that runs the Forums. To help fund the Collector Forums the past two years, limited edition photographs have been sold. This year there were some unfortunate snags in the process, causing some amount of displeasure in folks. Recognizing this, John has asked me to conduct the fund raising drive this year. Here is a quick take on what we are doing. For all the details, and to place your order, please go to: Fundraising Info Page .

The overview:

As last year, we will be offering a great print by Jen Selwa, this time Aurora Borealis Over South Haven Lighthouse . As was the case for 2004, the cost will be $25 per print plus $4 for shipping via Priority Mail. (Or, buy two prints and save on shipping - $50 plus only one $4 shipping charge.) But, there will also be another choice: a set of four individual prints of Michigan lights for $100 plus $8 Priority Mail shipping. With the set of four you will also receive the Aurora Borealis Over South Haven Lighthouse print. There will only be 25 sets of the four print series, and a total of 100 of the individual prints (including those included with the four print sets.)

Ordering will be from now until January 31, 2005. Shipping of the prints will be done by February 15th. There will be a drawing for a 16” x 20” copy of Aurora Borealis Over South Haven Lighthouse, matted to 22” x 28”. Have to purchase by 1/31 to be in the drawing. If you ordered last year and want the same print number, you need to let me know ASAP. If you have a special number you would like (maybe your autoship number) please ask.

That’s it in a nutshell – see the web page for even more info and to order. Any questions, email me at f o r u m s@lighthousekeepers.com (take out the spaces – they were included to make it difficult for spammers to harvest the address.)

If you have your current email address within your profile here on the Forums, you should have gotten an email about this year's fund-raising program along with a link to the page where you can see all the lighthouse photographs available for this year.

As mentioned in Dave's post above and in his email to all registered members (1,365 had email addresses - of which about 175 are old) Dave is managing this year's efforts because, frankly, I did a lousy job of it last year, at least staying on schedule.

If you didn't get an email, check your profile and update your email address and then check this link to learn which images of Jenifer Selwa's you can obtain through your 2005 Collector Forums support.

Click here


John

Bringing this back to the surface for several reasons. First and foremost, I want to remind folks that we are in the midst of our annual "fund drive". We hope that thru the sale of prints and the generous donations others have made that we will be able to fund the Collector Forums for the coming year. As is the case with almost everything in life, they cost to operate. It is our hope that you will all come thru and enjoy the opportunity to obtain a wonderful print (or prints). If you would prefer to donate, in whatever amount, there is also an option for that.

Info and a link to the order form can be found here .

To help out this year's effort, Harbour Lights has very generously donated 3 items to be given away to participants: one of the new Portland Head Winter pieces; a special edition Minots (the I Love You light); and, a Hereford Fresnel Lens. A big THANK YOU to Harbour Lights!

These lights will be given away, one per week, on January 10th, 17th and 24th. All those who have purchased or donated by the drawing date will be eligible for that drawing. Before we draw for the winner of the large print all names will go "back in the hat".

There may be more prizes added - stay tuned. And, please be sure to participate and help to fund the Forums that we all enjoy visiting.

Thanks

Dave, when I fill in my info and hit "Go to Order Page" it doesn't work. Get "Page Cannot Be Found".

Mombo I have been in the process of updating those pages. Please try again in 5 minutes...

...OK, just used it myself, so I know it's working now.

Still doesn't work quite right John. Adds $4 shipping for a cash donation. Can't do this anymore tonight as I have to get to bed. Leaving tomorrow for LHHC & Y!

As of this morning it's still adding shipping to the doantion. I suppose you could just deduct the shipping amount from the donation amout and it would come out the same. I decided to order the print this time anyway.

Mike

I just tried it and it did NOT add shipping. Nor did it last night when I made a "Donation without receiving a gift".

I've asked Dave to contact PayPal for clarification.

In the meantime, Follow Mike's suggestion and IF a shipping cost is added to your donation amount, deduct that much from your donation.

Thanks for your continued support.

Somehow this is an undocumented upgrade from PayPal that we don't want. In December the button worked OK after an initial glitcb. Can't imagine why it decided to do this on its own.

I have created a new button, again specifically saying no shipping, so we shall see what happens. Please do watch and check before you finalize the transaction. If it does not correct, Mombo's suggestion would work.

In my tests, I was donating $1. When I tried a larger amount, I got that "Shipping" charged. It seems if you donated over $9.99, you got charged shipping.

My apologies. I believe it is now working correctly, no matter how much you donate.

Just want to add my two cents worth here...It's not easy asking for money...there always seems to be someone asking for it wherever we go...you have to ask yourself..."is this a good cause or is someone just trying to make some extra money?" Well I can tell you that in this case there will be no one making any money here and the cause is a "just one." To me it's not asking too much to be able to keep in touch with all of the great people I have met here on the forums. One or two people should not have to take on this financial burden when there are many of us who partake of this wonderful venue. If you have not already done so, please consider buying the photos or at least making a donation to keep these forums alive.

Ruthie,

I couldn't agree with you more.

bobo

This is a win-win situation. Not only do you keep this great site going, you also get a wonderful lighthouse print for your generosity. You can't beat that with a stick!

My check went in the mail today.

Bob

Well, I waited until today's mail had run and we just held the first weekly prize drawing. For the record, everyone who has participated as of 3:15 PM EST today was included in the drawing. Each person's name was written on a same-sized piece of paper; none were folded, no corners bent to increase chances of being drawn (been around BY too long, I guess). All the entries were put into one of my daughter's baskets and she reached in to draw this week's winner.

I won't repeat the comment I made when she showed me the card, but on it was written "Roy & Carolyn McBee". Congratulations to the McBees, and thanks for participating in this year's fund drive. Roy has chosen to receive the new Portland Head in Winter piece, which means the Hereford Lens and Minots will be available next Monday.

Congrats to the McBee's!

Still time to order your photo (or photos) if you have not yet done so. We will have the drawing for the second of the donated Harbour Lights Monday afternoon, so get that order in now!

Fund Raising Info Page

The second weekly drawing was conducted this afternoon, with my daughter again drawing a card. This week's winner of a piece donated by Harbour Lights is JoAnn Dawley. JoAnn chose the Hereford Lens, which leaves the Minots Special Edition for next week's winner. Congratulations, JoAnn, and thanks for participating in this year's fund drive.

Last week I overlooked drawing for the LighthouseStickers.com prizes donated by John Chidester, so this week two names were drawn: Dave Dutcher and William Booth are the sticker winners. Congratulations, and thank you for participating.

Jen is planning to start mailing prints this week, and I am looking forward to receiving mine. Don't forget next Monday's drawing, and then a drawing on February 1st for the big print.

For those of you that have made a donation and requested an Aurora print as of 1/14/05, your print will be in the mail tomorrow. You should receive it either Saturday or Monday. For those that have ordered a portfolio and also receiving an Aurora print, the protective plastic sleeves that they are shipped in are backordered and I will hopefully have them next week sometime. Meanwhile, I will continue assembly so that all I have to do is sleeve them and they will be ready to go. I will post another update as I have one. Please feel free to post any feedback as your print arrives. I think everyone that ordered will be very pleased. They turned out lovely!

Thrilled to win Hereford Lens!

Thanks Collector Forum and Harbour Lights!

JoAnn

Still time to order your print (or the great set of 4 prints) before the last weekly drawing for the Minots Special Edition piece donated by Harbour Lights, and a $50 gift certificate from lighthousestickers.com. (Weekly drawing will be tomorrow, Monday 1/24.) The last drawing will be on February 1st, with everyone who has ordered or donated by then eligible for the 16" x 20" copy of Jen's print.

Thanks to all those who have participated so far, and a reminder to those who have put off placing their order!

Info Page

We just held the last weekly drawing for the Minots Special Edition donated by Harbour Lights and for the $50 gift certificate donated by lighthousestickers.com. The lucky winners this week, drawn by my wife, are:

Minots: Terry Kennemer (TexasLights)
Stickers: Bob Ott (bobo)

Thanks to everyone who has supported the fund drive so far this year. The final drawing will take place next Tuesday (2/1) for the winner of the 16x20 print from Jen.

How about that!!! I appreciate winning the Lighthouse Stickers. It came as a real surprise. Dave, please give your wife a big kiss for me.

Thank you so very much. But above all, it's for a wonderful cause.

bobo

This is very cool! Thanks to Harbour Lights for donating and thanks to all of you who work so hard to keep the Forums going...Terry

If you want to be in the drawing for the large, framed print to be given away, time is running short. You can find all the information you need on this web page .

I will hold the drawing Tuesday and announce the winner. Jen is assembling the picture so that it can be sent out. Don't miss out on this great opportunity (and the chance to help support your Collector Forums.)

Drum roll, please . . . . . . . . . . .

Just a few minutes ago the final drawing was conducted. My wife, Susan, picked the winner of the 16" x 20" print that Jen will also have matted and framed. The winner is. . . .

Daniel Hitchcock of Wichita, KS

Congratulations, Daniel. Enjoy your print.

Thanks to all who have donated or purchased a print (or prints) in this year's fundraiser. There are still prints available should you be one of those who have yet to purchase.

Congrats to Daniel for winning a truly unique and wonderful print!

Bob

Good for you Daniel ...hope we hear about the picture after you receive it.

Congrats to Daniel! I am still waiting on the frame, and as soon as it arrives I will assemble the print and get it off to you.

The backordered sleeves finally arrives yesterday, (I ordered them on 1/10!) and the remaining mattes I needed are finished and I will be getting those this afternoon. I expect to start shipment of the sets and remaining single aurora prints ordered this weekend and into the first part of next week. Please let me know when they arrive to you safe and sound. There are still some sets and single aurora print available - if you haven't made a contribution to the CF and would like to do so, please don't delay.

Thanks to everyone again for your support!

Did we collect enough to cover the CF expenses for another year?

Bob

Bob,

At this point, enough has been raised to pay through June, maybe July (I'm still waiting for some of the bills to come in). Once those last bills are paid, any additional sales of prints will be pretty much 100% towards paying for the Forums' monthly server bill. There are a few of the sets of 4 prints plust the Aurora print available, as well as single prints.

Hopefully there will be some continued sales along the way, or maybe the extras will find their way to the Reunion for sale.

The support of those who have contributed to the support of our Collector Forums is really appreciated. From a personal perspective, I would rather ask for contributions each year than have John look at things like the possibility of placing ads on the Forums to help pay for them.

Just a heads up for everyone - My apologies for the very slight delay - Mary (my three year old) has been sick since last weekend and I have been unable to get out to the post office. My other half is going to be home tomorrow so all those sets and single Aurora prints purchased as of 2/1/05 will be in tomorrow's mail. They should be hitting your mailboxes this weekend, just in time for Valentine's Day!

For those that purchased the set of 4 prints: Yours are being shipped in two separate envelopes. If per chance one arrives before the other one does, don't panic! The other envelope should be right behind it.

I think everyone will be very pleased with their prints. They really worked out to be a high quality product and I'm very proud to call them mine. You won't regret your selection! Thanks to everyone that ordered!

Jen,

Both packages (all 5 prints) arrived today. Thank you!

Got mine today, very nice. Thanks, Jen.

Jen, mine came in the mail today... Mighty cool pictures. Thanks so much for all your work. They are definitely worth the wait. Thanks to Dave also for all his work. Great job by all.

Got mine today and they are beautiful
Thanks Jen and Dave for all your work to keep the Forums operating.
Rick

Ours arrived today. Beautiful work, Jen.
Thanks to you and Dave.

Bill and Judy

Jen,

Mine arrived yesterday. Many thanks. The photos are beautifull.

bobo

My prints arrived in yesterday's mail. Great job Jen, they are wonderful!

A great big thank you to Dave too!

Ditto, Ditto, Ditto!

My set arrived Saturday and came through perfect.

The carrier even put them in the bigger 'key box' and left the key in my tiny mail box.

Fantastic pictures, Jen.

Thanks Jen,
Prints arrived yesterday safe and sound. Outstaanding job,
Darlene

Recieved mine Friday and I must say it's awesome! Thanks Jen.

Mike

Glad to hear they are hitting mailboxes safely and that John got his ok, too. :p Also glad to hear everyone is as happy with the prints as I'd hope you all would be!

To Bob Ott - have you been getting my email? I haven't heard back from you.

Just thought I'd share the "Big Prize" with everyone before it goes off in the mail tomorrow to Daniel. It turned out so well, I might have to do one for my own wall!

So, Dave, how is the total going as far as off setting the year's cost.. and Jen do you still have any of the sets still available?

I gave my set to my General Manager (formerly Station Manager and yes, there is a big difference) when he was named the new GM of WISH TV8.. He was born and raised in Ludington and the set of prints are perfect for the walls of his office.. So I may have to purchase another set, Jen..

We've done OK, Paul, but there are still prints available, A few of the sets and also several of the single prints. I have enough on hand, after remaining expenses, to pay thru July.

Dave,

I gather from your last post that we didn't make enough money to last us through the end of 2005. What do we do now? It's a shame that more folks didn't participate.

bobo

The opportunity to support the Collector Forums continues, although the opportunity to win the large format framed print does not.

If you missed out on the chance to purchase the 'annual print' or the set of very limited prints, you can still do so at:

Click here

You can also use this link to make a contribution without purchasing any of the prints. You decide the amount.

Someone's birthday coming up? Want to decorate your office cubicle? Click on the link above.

As you can see from the previous posts, most everyone is pretty happy with the prints.

Thought we should surface this in case anyone still needs to order their prints.

Thanks for resurfacing this topic. My donation is on its way. I am in and out of the forum all the time but never realized how important it was to me until I was able to purchase a couple of older lighthouses I wanted through forum members. I love reading the forum even though I am not an avid poster.

I do remember reading about a fund raiser but probably just parked in a portion of my brain that is unused at Christmas time, etc. This is a good time for me to donate, with my Harbour Lights renewal due at the same time. Thanks again for all your hard work all of you!

Jen--

They arrived today. Absolutely outstanding.

Larry