Mercs "Help a Verd'ika" fund.

NovallTalon

Well-Known Hunter
This was the second year we did this, and since my home chapter was involved...it really hit home for me.

One of our big things in Mando Mercs is our "Help a Verd'ika" christmas. Basically, it's a fund we created for children in underprivileged families who won't be getting a christmas. We decided that each year we would pick a chapter to receive the fund so that they could use it to adopt a family in their local area for Christmas. Mandos are very centered around families, so what better way for us as the costume group for mandos to better take part in helping our communities.

Last year we raised $250 for a couple young boys in Ohio (we only had maybe 75 members at the time), well this year we raised $750 for 3 children here in North Carolina. Between losing jobs, house burning down, and cancer taking one of the grandparents who had been helping them get back on their feet, I don't think you could have asked for a much worse year.

So we took that $750, and at the parents request we spent it all on the kids. They are getting everything they asked for this christmas, from an Xbox 360 to Stand Up Elmo...it took us 5 trips to get all this stuff outta my van.

What really struck me at the end of it all was the family themselves. We were about to leave, and the husband stopped me. He himself was a huge Star Wars fan, and before their house burnt down in July he had kept a huge collection of Star Wars collectables and toys. The one thing that escaped the fire was his collector's edition Phantom Menace DVD ...still in the box with the wrapper on it untouched. The price sticker still on it but grayed out by the smoke from the fire. He handed it to me and asked me to use that for the next family, that he didn't need it and he wanted it to help someone like we have helped them. It's hard to sit here and type this without my eyes getting a little wet...because to give something when you have nothing is IMHO the greatest thing you can do in your life.

So I took it, and I told him that my personal goal for 2009 is to have every major actor who stared in Phantom Menace sign the thing so we can auction/raffle it off for the next family. I think thats the least I can do for someone so willing to do that.

I just wanna take a moment and thank all of you guys and gals who troop for charity and causes that help people. We all have reasons why we troop and attend events...it's not always about the armor.

So thats my inspirational story for 2008. Hopefully that chears some people up a bit.

Oh, and here is the "table of toys" as I called it.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone.

DSC00093.jpg
 
You rock brother!!! I didn't hear bout this til now. Next year I am down for some donations for your cause my brother!!! Karma...a good thing...
 
See... this is what it's all about in the end!
Putting a smile on young fans faces when we troop or raising cash for those in need!

I doff my cap to you bruv... (y)(y)
 
Oh it's not just me...it's many many people who deserve the thanks for this. I personally gotta thank my sister in arms Karen Traviss for her donation of quite a few autograph plates so we could raffle autograph copies of her books, and Ray Ramirez (my very good friend and "vod") who helped out with the fund this year...even in the middle of Afghanistan. There are tons of people who gave to this, and the sacrifices they made to help isn't forgotten or unappreciated by any means.

Everyone though be it 501st, RL, Mercs or even TDH the way members help members...you all deserve a huge thanks for the impact that you have on others all around the world. Without us all, the world would be much less bright for those who need us.
 
Reading that nearly brought a tear to my eye. I used to be hard up myself, but I've had alot of help and I'm doing pretty good these days. It really touches me to hear that you guys are helping those in need. Next time your collecting donations, I definately want to help.
 
YES YES YES! Oh man i was getting teary eyed just reading that! I honestly get animated behind the keyboard when I read or watch something that is touching to me and I did one of those "Yes! *throw fist in the air*" kinda things when I read it.

I'll be honest, part of the reason I want to troop as Fett is because I simply love him as a character... nobody else I would ever want to be. But the reason for trooping is really why I want to be Fett... I really can't wait to give to the community... I would do anything to make a family's Christmas like that. I know what it is like to have a hardship or no Christmas and you just have to make the best of it... but when you have the power to make a kid smile with a gift, or help a family out, there is nothing more amazing than that.

I don't know how many friends say I am stupid for spending so much on a silly costume, or how dumb I am for wasting money on Fett when i could be putting it to useful things and I simply say "There is nothing more I want than to put a smile on a kid's face" and it is the truth up and down the street...

I am very pleased to hear this NovallTalon! If I can, I would LOVE to partake in an event like this when the opportunity arises again.

Happy Holidays!

El1te
 
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