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I agree w/ elgolem, that we need to focus more on the fact that this is a charity-raising event, not a gaming session.

And yeah, I'll be there. I've improved my game a lot since the last DAT (Standard-steps n00b). Thank you Stepmania!

well pump or no pump, ddr or no ddr,you can expect me to show up and do my best to raise money up here as i always do just give as much notice as possible so i can get the days off.

Gallonigher wrote:I agree w/ elgolem, that we need to focus more on the fact that this is a charity-raising event, not a gaming session.

you people are going to keep using that logic until ddrathons are a bunch of indyddr members standing on a street corner with signs and donation buckets

Potter wrote:

Gallonigher wrote:I agree w/ elgolem, that we need to focus more on the fact that this is a charity-raising event, not a gaming session.

you people are going to keep using that logic until ddrathons are a bunch of indyddr members standing on a street corner with signs and donation buckets

Hey if it will get more money for Riley I would do it

Potter wrote:

Gallonigher wrote:I agree w/ elgolem, that we need to focus more on the fact that this is a charity-raising event, not a gaming session.

you people are going to keep using that logic until ddrathons are a bunch of indyddr members standing on a street corner with signs and donation buckets

He's right on. All of you folks that insist we can raise money by bringing pump, playing less games, ect. had better be busting ass raising donations.

lgolem wrote:

Potter wrote:

Gallonigher wrote:I agree w/ elgolem, that we need to focus more on the fact that this is a charity-raising event, not a gaming session.

you people are going to keep using that logic until ddrathons are a bunch of indyddr members standing on a street corner with signs and donation buckets

Hey if it will get more money for Riley I would do it

robbing a bank would get more money for riley, go do it

Fluffyumpkins wrote:

Potter wrote:

Gallonigher wrote:I agree w/ elgolem, that we need to focus more on the fact that this is a charity-raising event, not a gaming session.

you people are going to keep using that logic until ddrathons are a bunch of indyddr members standing on a street corner with signs and donation buckets

He's right on. All of you folks that insist we can raise money by bringing pump, playing less games, ect. had better be busting ass raising donations.

As I see it, over the history of the DAT more and more emphasis has been put on bringing more games and having more tournaments. The fund raising aspect has taken a backseat, moved to the trunk, and then hitched to a trailer in the back. At DAT5, it really felt like it was nearly lost altogether.

The original DAT was at Washington Square Mall. It was a comparatively informal event. But many people took it upon themselves to collect donations from people in the mall. The result was our first--and still best--fundraising effort ever.

The subsequent DATs were at LazerLite, a closed venue. It was to be expected that donations would be lower because there simply weren't as many people to collect from. Still, a number of people went out and got donations before the event and put forth a lot of effort at the event to get donations from the small audience we had. Totals were lower--but still quite respectable.

I had high hopes for last year with the event moving back to a high-traffic mall. However, I can't remember seeing anyone even bothering to hold a bucket. The donation total was only around what we were getting at LazerLite even though I know we often had crowds of onlookers that rivaled--even surpassed--the ones we saw at Washington Square so long ago. Everyone was too caught up in tournaments, arguing over where they were in line, complaining about the lines, etc., etc., ...and even fighting with each other!

I'd almost prefer collecting donations at a street corner over some of the aspects of last year's DDR-A-THON. At least I'd be assured that the people standing alongside me actually gave a damn! Parts of last year were downright appalling and a real slap in the face to Jim who has worked so hard to organize this event every year.

Ho wrote:I'd almost prefer collecting donations at a street corner over some of the aspects of last year's DDR-A-THON. At least I'd be assured that the people standing alongside me actually gave a damn! Parts of last year were downright appalling and a real slap in the face to Jim who has worked so hard to organize this event every year.

amen

I bet that if each of us put in a little effort, we could blow the first DAT figure out of the water.

Fluffyumpkins wrote:I bet that if each of us put in a little effort, we could blow the first DAT figure out of the water.

I would love to see it!

And you're absolutely right. The fact is that last year we raised some money pretty much in spite of ourselves. Just imagine what even a half-assed effort could produce.

Better yet, I'd love to see us really pull together and do something amazing! It would remind me why I was so excited about supporting and growing IndyDDR in its early years. We are an amazing group of people that has been and still can be an outstanding community that can do great things.

And I'm not just talking about charity work... IndyDDR began as a network of friends. I think its greatest value is realized if it continues to bring people together to form and expand friendships.

Ho wrote:Better yet, I'd love to see us really pull together and do something amazing!

I just had an idea.

At DAT, bring paper, construction cards, and etc, and we should all personally make get-well cards to the kids?

Just a thought. Money is great, but a personal touch really adds something.

yeah personal touch would be great, i dont think hospitals can give out patients names due to hipaa or whatever
ill text them after i paypal my donation and play all my tourney runs on smo while posting about it on my blog and taking myspace pics

Another suggestion:

Would it be possible to get a bigger/better sign? Last year we just had the one sign, which I'm sure a lot of people walking past didn't even see. I'm sure if we had something easy to see that said "benefit for Riley Children's Hospital" on it, it would help with donations as well. Perhaps some sort of banner or something?

WhiteDragon wrote:Another suggestion:

Would it be possible to get a bigger/better sign? Last year we just had the one sign, which I'm sure a lot of people walking past didn't even see. I'm sure if we had something easy to see that said "benefit for Riley Children's Hospital" on it, it would help with donations as well. Perhaps some sort of banner or something?

Yeah I thought of that to... I thought about seeing if Riley had a banner, cause they have signs and all for charity events, thought if they had a long enough to rig up a setup so that it goes above the DDR machine

so when they look at the DDR machine as people are playing it they see a big banner

IU's library gives students the ability to print HUGE (read: 10 x 3') high quality, glossy-papered posters with any designs on them. If we come up with a banner design, plotting it out will be simple, and I'll gladly make that happen.