Donation in Honor of Heath

[KittyHawk]

That's a generous thought, Jenny, but we've already got a nice bundle of money that any of the suggested charities should be glad to get.

If there's widespread interest, perhaps we could donate again a year from now. If we do that, we'd definitely need some contributions, but I think we've got enough for now. Also, I guess it's not the best time to be asking people for money.    Thanks for the idea, though, and maybe at a later time...

- Lydia

[Ministering angel]

I'm all in favor of supporting the next generation of gay youth, but I'm wondering about supporting them in Australia. Maybe that's too difficult, but from what I've read they certainly need it, and it would be especially appropriate for a donation in honor of Heath. OTOH, if we feel it's important to have his name associated with gay causes in America, I'd vote for money for the trevor project.

Another thought: I'm sure you don't want to deal with the complication of setting this up, but if there were some way for interested members to add to the donation, I think quite a few, especially those who have come here because of Heath since his death, might be interested in contributing. As well as some "older" members; I know I would be willing to make another contribution for this cause.

Jenny, that's a nice idea about the Australian angle. I was a bit reluctant to suggest that idea since it might have sounded a bit parochial.

I also very much like the idea of supporting people who are getting out of repressive countries. So much to do.

[Stilllearning]

Another thought: I'm sure you don't want to deal with the complication of setting this up, but if there were some way for interested members to add to the donation, I think quite a few, especially those who have come here because of Heath since his death, might be interested in contributing. As well as some "older" members; I know I would be willing to make another contribution for this cause.

I agree Jenny, I would be willing to too. People would probably want to know what organization(s) had been selected, but I can imagine that a number of people would want to contribute to the selected cause.

[Melby]

Thank you to the core group for taking on this task, and for asking for our thoughts.

Any/all of the above suggestions sound just fine to me!
I'm glad we can do it in Heath's name, and I think that will be a comfort to a lot of folks.

[Rob in Puyallup]

Yes, in Heath's name... with mention of Ennis and Jack and Brokeback Mountain.

[KittyHawk]

Yes, I think you can count on that, Rob - especially since it will be donated in the name of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum.

[elena]

Hi, everybody!

I thought it would be nice to use the money to support gay youth in a country were they don't get a lot of support or they are even persecuted.

I just had a discussion with an Iranian friend, not living in Iran. He says that if you ''keep quiet'' in Iran you won't be persecuted as gay. I don't know.
In Spring there was the story of the gay Iranian teen that would have faced execution if sent back to Iran from the UK:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article3531630.ece
I don't know how it ended by the way.

Ciao

Antonella

[CANSTANDIT]

I don't think  any charity is more worthy, but I think kids stand a better chance of benefitting from charity, in general,  than adults, who may already be on a certain path... I say do something for kids.

[trekfan]

I think doing something to benefit gay teens is a good idea.     I'd hate to see another incident like what was depicted in that Lifetime movie "Prayers for Bobby."  happen anymore.

[janjo]

I think doing something to benefit gay teens is a good idea.     I'd hate to see another incident like what was depicted in that Lifetime movie "Prayers for Bobby."  happen anymore.

No organisation can save all of the damaged teenagers they come into contact with, but even if one or two lives can be turned around it is worth doing.

[full measure]

have been hearing about fire relief in southeast australia, i know it's far from perth, but i'm sending some money to them.  i bet heath would have.  just a thought.

kj

[BayCityJohn]

Five Questions with The Trevor Project

Statistics on suicide are grim.  Approximately 32,000 people commit suicide each year in the U.S., and suicide is the second-leading cause of death among college students.  When it comes to the subject of LGBT youth and suicide, the statistics are even darker.  According to a 2006 Massachusetts Youth Risk Survey, LGBT and questioning youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers;  LGBT youth who come from a rejecting family are up to nine times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.
 
Suicide among LGBT youth is an issue that The Trevor Project has been working on for over 10 years.  The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.  In addition, The Trevor Project provides online support to young people, and also provides lifesaving guidance and vital resources to educators and parents.
 
Today, we've got 5 questions with Jacqueline Wing, Communications Manager for The Trevor Project.  As Jacqueline describes below, addressing suicide among LGBT young people is something we all need to take responsibility for addressing.  To learn more, read the questions below, visit The Trevor Project's Web site, check out The Trevor Project's blog, or become a fan of the organization on Facebook.
 
 
http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/five_questions_with_the_trevor_project

[Uli]

Hi... *tiptoes into the thread...*

I keep seeing this thread on the main page and have been wondering for quite a while now what happened with this planned donation, so I thought I'd finally just ask...

Was there ever a decision taken which organisation would get a donation and I maybe just missed the announcement in the daily sheet - or even worse I misread a post in this thread and missed it? 

(LOL, I hope the forum will not explode when I post, cause there is this warning... )