Gay Business Community Charity and its Accountability ???

[Guest travelerjim]

Dear Gay Thailand Friends,

 

On The Baht Stop message board, several posters have asked for more information about the Gay Pattayan "Fab Feb" Fundraising event of February 1st being sponsored by the Jomtien Complex Gay Community and they have asked just how the proceeds are to be determined for the benefit of Allen - The Gay Pattayan.

 

I have replied ....and for once ....have let my true feelings about this question be known...for I do believe in "absolute transparency and accountability" when it deals with all charity activity.

 

I will be at the Jomtien Complex and I will be pleased to support their efforts to raise donations for The Gay Pattayan...and, I will further support and attend as many such gay community charitable events that I can in Pattaya.

 

But I really would like an answer to my questions posed in my posting...and raised by others as well.

 

My question is really directed at the gay business community and your active and generous promotion of charity events within your businesses and business groups.

 

Being that many in the gay business community in the Jomtien Complex have announced there will be an jointly sponsored event on February 1st for the Gay Pattayan Medical Care Fund - I am posing my questions to them first.

 

Thank you,

 

TravelerJim

 

Here is The Baht Stop board message thread:

 

http://www.baht-stop.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1179 .

 

 

 

QUOTE(TiTo @ Jan 25 2007, 10:11 PM) *

 

Thats most of the time the problem with charity event at pattaya's gay venue's They don't tell you how much they give. But I am sure in this case the owners of the bars will provide all the goods and services.

It was G.P. who made so many times free promotion for them that I have no doubt that this will be OK.

Thanks haloi for having this question. I also always like to make sure to know where my money goes.

 

(My response to Haloi and Tito)....

 

Hello Haloi, Tito and Friends,

 

Very good question Haloi and Tito...in fact IT IS a GREAT QUESTION!

 

I applaud the gay business community for stepping forward to promote Charity events throughout the year .....and especially this one special for the Gay Pattayan - Allen...

 

Now as a resident member of the gay community here in Pattaya, I am pleased to offer my support too... and I have my questions and beliefs...

 

I think the business owners really should say ACTUALLY how much ??? in baht or %%% of each drink, dinner & actual sales and proceeds are to be donated to Allen's Medical Care Fund...."before" the event is held!

 

My Friends.....Please do not get me wrong....But for many, many years in America, like many of you - I have worked and volunteered in many capacities - as a Professional, as a Volunteer, as a School Board Member, and have been on the Executive Board of Directors for a National not-for-profit organization.

 

I truly believe ...

 

Clearly ....and 100% of the time....the staff, volunteers, board members and general public ALL have a right to know how all funds which are raised and their proceeds are to be used and expended in charity programs, events and promotions. Full transparency & accountability is of most importance.

 

So may I ask ???

 

Monty and fellow business owners participating in the Jomtien Fab Feb Bash for Allen....(and others who may be considering such promotions in support of the Gay Pattayan aa well as gay community charitable activities in the future)....

 

How much of ...(please respond in baht - with specificity)....

EACH TICKET (cost of 300 baht for the buffet with one drink included) ...

EACH ADDED DRINK...100 baht for all drinks (with one free drink included with the buffet).....of added drinks purchased during the night -

Are you planning to actually DONATE to Allen's Fund ???

 

Or...are you promoting the event and hosting the buffet dinner with one drink ....pocketing all 300 baht to cover costs for the dinner and one free drink ....then planning on "passing the hat" among guests who are in attendance...and conduct an auction or have raffle tickets for ??? ....with the real donations coming from "passing the hat" and "auction/ticket raffle" type of fund raising ???

 

Mind you - you have the right to host the event as you will - without responding to the questions raised....but I do believe it is time in Gay Pattaya and Gay Bangkok - that the gay business community "be specific" of their donor plans for their charitable promotions.

 

Also I believe it is time (if they have not already done so) for the Thai beer and liquor wholesalers to ante up and donate bottles or kegs of beer and liquor spirits and wine... and/or the restaurants prepare the buffet truly in the name of charity..and the full amount of the nights proceeds be donated...That really is Charity!

 

There may be laws in Thailand against donating alcoholic beverages and spirits - but maybe a "promotion" can become a "sponsored event" by the beer and or liquor company to help the gay community raise real baht for the charity.

 

Yes, please clarify and tell us...I am anxious to hear...others in the gay community may likewise be listening ...and trust me - I am pleased to support this and other charitable efforts of the gay business community.

 

And again...I applaud your quick and earnest efforts to raise funds for our dear friend - The Gay Pattayan.

 

TravelerJim