Question about Relay for Life

I donated recently to Relay for Life via one of their stations at a mall. AFAIK, it's a good and worthy charity. Here's my question: I was approached yesterday by someone who wanted a "land donation" for the charity. I had to tell her that I could not help in this fashion. Who are the "authorized representatives" of this charity ? Does this charity seek "land donations" or free rent or reduced rent ? If the charity does, then I'm glad I was approached by an authorized representative and not a scam artist. TIA.

I would try a visit to
http://slurl.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/128/5/23

Given that LL does not allow the use of RL names unless authorized i would expect this Sim to be legit, as "American Cancer Society" is the sims name!

RC Mars is the name of the sim owner, and i think that would be a good place to start.

I've always wondered how you can be sure the RFL donation station is legit. It doesn't seem like it would be hard for someone to make their own copy that sends the money to them instead.

If you don't know whose name you should see in your transaction history, how would you know the payment is actually going to RFL?

I've donated, but only using the kiosks of fairly well known creators. I suppose it's still possible that they might run off with the money, but it seems far less likely.

For kiosks, I would go by the name of the creator on the kiosk itself. I have had them out at my stores and the process makes it impossible for the store owner to take the money unless its a fake kiosk....as far as I can tell that is. When a donation goes in, it goes right back out of my linden balance just as fast. I had to pick up my kiosk to get one with the '-donated so far' text, since mine semed to be broken....but I love having it out there, since I cant do much to donate myself.

Yeah, any time you donate, check the maker of the kiosk and the owner. They don't have to be the same person, but if you're in doubt about your donation, IM first, donate later. That said, you can also check in with the RFL group, IM someone who looks in charge and go from that angle too. They can tell you who is part of the group and who isn't.

Steve, I sent you a PM.

As far as I know, the kiosks are made by Jade Lilly. At least the funky purple ones are.

I've IM'ed him and am awaiting a response.

the Relay vendors (selling items to raise funds for the charity) were also created by Jade Lily.

You can check out the SL Relay for Life website for more info on the campaign and the people involved.

http://slrfl.org/

Hi!
I'm Fay, the SLRFL Event Chairman, and I wanted to thank you for your concerns. We should all be more questioning as to who is asking for our support. Relay For Life is the signature fundraising event for the American Cancer Society, Second Life's Relay For Life is our Second Life Community’s event. We will only collect your money through an ACS vendor or kiosk created by Jade Lily and you are encouraged to only give your money to these devices. There is not a person raising funds for SLRFL that can't throw down a RFL kiosk, pledge card, or vendor made by Jade Lily for you to pay. Please don't hesitate to ask for one
We have had land, houses, etc., given to us to auction and we appreciate the funds these large ticket items bring but we don't solicit land from people we don't know and we don't ask for partial tier / rental payments. Hope this help clarify things for you and please do contact R.C. Mars, the ACS representative here in SL. He would be delighted to speak with you about your concerns as would I. Please IM us anytime.

Thank you for your time. Everyone, please consider donating to this worthy charity.

I do believe that all Kiosk by Jade Lilly are proper. I had one for a bit and the funds went in and out to her in a very quick manner. I also donated 3 homes to the cause, but everytime I asked the rep that I had sent the information to she said she was unable to locate and that she had trouble staying on-line, even though I would see here on for hours at a time. Most business owners do try to help with charitable organizations but do in fact hope that they get some kind of credit, I had never had any feedback about signs (I was asked to make and send) or credit for giving items for auction. It appears as though they only want money given and could care less about giving credit to donators. I was even donatiing 10% of all sales to the cause but to date have never heard a thing about my donations or placing of signs for my business as promised. I eventually sent the Kisok back.

Consider giving in Real Life where you might at least get a "Thank you for your donation"

When I give to charity, it's meant to be a selfless act. I don't do it for recognition.

Likewise.

1) A donor still deserves some sort of acknowledgment that their gift was received. It's just basic manners.

2) Well-managed charities make an effort to keep their regular donors happy because it is easier to get money from the regulars than it is to find new donors. This is a good fundraising practice for the charity, and it also means less of the donated money is spent on "administration" (which includes fundraising expenses).

As a RL librarian I have been involved in a number of non-prof education organizations that receive charitable contributions. In my experience, acknowledging and thanking donors is standard practice. It's the right thing to do, and it's the smart thing to do. Failing to do so on a regular basis would result in a fundraiser being asked or forced to step down.

That said, I expect the real life RFL is a well-managed charity program, and that donations to them through normal RL means would be properly acknowledged and appreciated.

If donors in SL aren't receiving the same courtesy, it is probably just that the in-world person responsible for it is not an experienced fundraiser and hasn't been properly trained. Fayandria provided the name of the ACS rep in her post above, so it might be a good idea for donors to speak with them if major donations are not being acknowledged.

Just as long as the IRS recognizes my write off.

That's an interesting thought. Can donations from within SL to a RL charity be used for tax purposes? And if so, what kind of can of worms does that open up?