I bet you thought I forgot all about our sick kids at Children’s Hospital, didn’t you?
I bet you thought I gave up on giving the older patients there a gaming room in which they can spend a few hours on Super Mario Sunshine, forgetting for a moment that they’re really sick.
You would be wrong. I NEVER FORGET ABOUT THE KIDS!
Since that contest ended in which Children’s did not win a $10,000 gameroom courtesy of Microsoft and the Children’s Miracle Network, I’ve been hard at work emailing and shenanigana-ing with the greatest group of people in the Burgh … Pittsburgh’s Social Media crowd. Bloggers, twitterererers, podcasters, etc.
Not only that, thanks to reader Sooska for the suggestion, I went to the Mario Lemieux Foundation and asked if they would serve as the middleman between us and Children’s Hospital and they said yes! and then FLIPPED A FEW CARTWHEELS! and maybe even threw us a party in their heads. Mario Lemieux’s foundation has a division called The Playroom Project that places playrooms in local hospitals. To my knowledge, this will be the first big-kid playroom they’ll donate, on our behalf.
In addition, I have other BIG GIANT NEWS about an INTERNATIONAL company that has proactively contacted me to offer to help with this and golly boy howdy gee, it is awesome. Just need to work out a few details before I announce that, but a hint: FURNITURE!
So, our goal? $10,000 for our sick kids. That will be enough to buy some sweet LCD TVs, awesome gaming systems, awesome mind-numbing, addictive, forget-you’re-sick-for-a-while games, computers, computer games, AND even a bit left over to purchase some hand-held gaming systems for those children too sick to or unable to leave their beds. We’ll bring the games to THEM!
High-five, Burghers!
Now, you ask, can’t UPMC just fork over a quick 10 grand and do this themselves? I don’t know. Maybe they could. The point is that you and me, WE are giving this room to these kids as a gift and we’re essentially letting them know that there’s a whole city of people that would really like to see them kick the hell out of whatever it is they’re fighting at the moment.
Why gaming, you ask? I’m an amazing mind reader. You girls are also thinking about Daniel Sepulveda shirtless and you boys are also thinking about beer. Moving on. Little story. When I first made the decision to come out and reveal my identity, my butler Mike Woycheck and I began planning a charity reveal that would have taken place at Diesel and would have been a butt-kicking good time complete with celebrities and auctions and booze, etc. The goal was to raise $5,000 for a local charity, but I wasn’t sure which charity I wanted to raise it for. I considered the John Challis Courage for Life Foundation, but I wondered if there was a more direct way I could help sick kids. Then the next day at church there was an announcement that a young boy named Genre Baker, a church member, was fighting leukemia and in doing so was raising money not only for the medical bills associated with the next several years of treatments (as it stands right now, his blood counts are low and that’s not good. More tests this week.) and also because he wanted to be able to give the gift of gaming to other patients that didn’t have a hand-held gaming system like he had to pass the hours in the hospital.
I ended up nixing the fundraiser idea because it got too big and I got scared because I’m little old me, and I’m a writer. I should use my words to reveal myself. And I did.
Combining what I had learned about Genre Baker with the contest to bring a gaming room to Children’s Hospital, it felt like I found a way to use what little bit of notoriety I have to do some good for our local sick kids.
Bring them some gaming, FTW!
Now, next Monday is your first chance to make a straight donation to this effort (kickass name and logo to be unveiled soon), and those donations will be turned over to Mario’s foundation for safekeeping until we have given them $10,000.
However, this week is Thanksgiving week and while you and I might be enjoying our families and friends and the love we’re surrounded with every day, we are obviously aware that there are those who are suffering, who are in hospitals, orphanages, missing their loved ones, and on and on.
My plan is that this Saturday, after we’ve had a few days to be thankful for what we have, that we use our Saturday night out to give to those that DON’T have.
You have two choices if you’d like to help.
1. This Saturday from 6-9 is Mariachi Night at my husband’s restaurant Las Velas. There will be a real live Mariachi Band and also $5 margaritas! My husband has generously agreed to donate 15% of all of the sales from that entire day to my effort. I’ll be there with my whole family for dinner. Every sister except Tina Fey will be there with their families and we are going to have a grand time eating and drinking and spending our money (yes, my husband makes us pay, too). Please come out and JOIN US! Maybe you can come down and go ice skating across the square and then head over for some dinner and fun with me. From now to Saturday, I’m going to try to come up with some extra incentives for you to come out because the more money we all spend, the more money goes into the pot toward the $10,000. I’m hoping to get a few local celebrities there as well. Wish me luck!
2. Ti Kanaval benefiting the BRESMA Orphanage. This takes place at the Altar Bar in the Strip also from 6-9 this Saturday. This event supports two local sweethearts and is only $12 at the door. Ali and Jamie McMutrie have dedicated the last several years of their lives working at an orphanage in Haiti. Let me tell you something — they are risking their lives every single day doing what they’re doing for over 100 orphaned children. They have an AMAZING story and this is their one event here in Pittsburgh to help raise funds for their efforts in Haiti. There will be loads of fun there as well. After I spend a few hours at Las Velas, I’m going to ALSO head over to this fundraiser for a bit to give these girls my support. I’ve never been to the Altar Bar, so you guys can all be my date for my first outing there, since my husband will have to stay back at the restaurant. Here are some pictures of Ali and Jamie:
(source)
Amazing girls.
There’s no reason that BOTH Of these events shouldn’t raise money for their respective causes because either way, in the end, it is the CHILDREN that matter.
This week, I’ll be providing more details about the Las Velas fundraiser and on how the donations will be taken and processed come Monday. PLEASE NOTE: If you cannot make it to the fundraiser, you will be able to donate directly via the mechanism we will set up on Monday. Everyone will have a chance to pitch in. We’re going to keep at it until we reach our goal. My butler, Mike, also is generously donating a portion of the sales of all shirts sold at www.wearpittsburgh.com until our goal is reached.
This is the kind of group effort it will take to get us the money we need to allow the foundation to get started on that gameroom.
This is the best of Pittsburgh, my friends. I hope you all can pitch in and help.
More details every day!
Now, Burghers far and wide, if we do this thing … if we raise this $10,000 for our sick kids … you will not only be richly rewarded in some fashion at some point in your life, you’ll not only feel a great sense of satisfaction that you gave back this holiday season, I will also … oh, my … reveal my space-themed high school graduation picture.
It’s on.
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Anonymous Says:
Ginny,
I’m in. Even if it’s just a little, I’ll donate. Thanks for your efforts.
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Anonymous Says:
Hello,
First off, awesome job in getting this all together! Just very heart warming. Second, is there just a “send money here” address for those of us that can’t make the event or might be out of towners? I know you said more details coming so I might be jumping the gun, just anxious!
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Virginia Says:
Anonymous #2, yes. Come back on Monday and you’ll see how you can donate separate from the Mariachi Night fundraiser.
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Sunshine Says:
I miss Pittsburgh and hate that I am six hours away. Will be checking back on Monday to help any way I can.
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Kim Z Says:
This is awesome. I only wish I were going to be in Pittsburgh this weekend. If there’s one thing I love more than $5 margaritas it’s helping kids. (Helping kids is better because the more kids I help, the better I feel the next day. The more margaritas I drink…well, let’s just say there is a limit to how much joy those will bring in the morning.)
Enjoy the weekend. I look forward to the opportunity to pony up on Monday.
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Margie Says:
Ginny, thanks for putting this together. Hope to talk the spousal unit into coming down for some Margie-rita’s at Las Velas. Either way, I’m donating money for the kids.
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Jessica Says:
Wonderful cause!!!
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bluzdude Says:
Yet one more time I’m ruing the fact that I don’t live in Pittsburgh. Las Velas night sounds exquisite.
So I’ll be holding tight waiting for the long-distance donating instructions.
You’re a peach, Ginny, and the living embodiment of the generous Pittsburgh spirit.
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TwinMamaTeb Says:
alas, cannot do Sat night due to my own husband running his restaurant. But certainly let me know if you are ever doing an auction type thingie, I will offer restaurant gift cards!
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alexa - cleveland's a plum Says:
i once grabbed mario’s ass at a club in pittsburgh that used to be a church or something like five years ago. true story.
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jdp Says:
You really need to get your butler on some buttons on this blog for sharing – twitter and facebook! I’ll be dragging the link along LOL.
Probably can’t make dinner but can’t wait for reveal- Monday!
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Norm Says:
You might be able to snag most of Yinz Team if you go play football earlier in the day.
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Tina Fey Says:
Ginger, sorry I’m going to miss it. Tell each sister to have a margarita for me! Oooh, take a nice photo of me and prop it up at the bar next to you and you can pretend I’m there.
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Erica Says:
Ginny, you are amazing! As a fellow Norwin graduate I am not surprised that you are as gracious as you are. What about those who can’t make it out there? Is there a way to donate?
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HolyMo Says:
Moved to Atlanta 4 years ago…will be checking back on Monday. Nice work Ginny!!
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carnegiegrl Says:
PittGirl you rock….now what is going to happen when us awesome Pittsburghers raise enough money in day one to build 4 awesome playrooms???
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Gina Says:
I can’t be there Saturday night, but I was actually thinking of bringing the family in on Saturday for lunch since we are going to the parade. Can we just give you a donation when we are there?
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laurenhbg Says:
I highly recommend reading the story on the two girls and the Haitian orphanage – I could never imagine doing anything like that… brave girls for sure.
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Uncle Crappy Says:
Between the extended family time on Thursday and the pain I’ll be experiencing after Saturday’s flackle football, I’m gonna need a margarita or two on Saturday night.
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red pen mama Says:
We will see what Saturday evening brings. If the kids do well that day, maybe we’ll make the trip in.
Shit, maybe I’ll just come by myself!
Otherwise, I’ll be keeping an eye out for more details and other ways to contribute. Thanks!
ciao,
rpm -
LH Says:
Do you realize that if you have just 2000 ppl give 5 bucks you will reach the goal… I am sure you have 2000 readers. I am going to give at least that, so hopefully the goal will be reached sooner than you think!
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UPMSee Says:
$700 million dollar hospital and you’re breaking your arm to pat yourself on the back over 10K? who is this room for, sick kids or your ego?
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UPMSee Says:
This Fall, a Lifetime Original Movie, “Let’s Play” a heartwarming true tale about a trite and profoundly self-serving blogger and her gutsy quest to tell the world how swell she is.
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Jen Says:
I think this is awesome. And if you don’t, well…
BLOOP.
BLOOP.
BLOOP.
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LH Says:
Lets Google UPMSee and see what we get…
Some people just don’t get it, do they? -
Anonymous Says:
Also coming this Fall, the Lifetime Original Movie about the commenter who had nothing better to do than go around writing negative comments about people trying to do good just to feel better about the fact that he/she is a worthless piece of crap…
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Elle C. Says:
Any amount of money raised for sick kids deserves a pat on the back, whether it be $1 billion or $10,000. You give what you can. Such a Debbie Downer, UPMSee.
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Jen Says:
UPMSee, I work at that new fancy hospital and can’t wait to see how happy the kids are once this happens. Your comment made me throw up in my mouth a little. Seriously, how can you turn the awesome pulling together of people in this city to do something for sick kids into anything but rainbows and glitter?
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Stacey Says:
And where in this whole post does Ginny pat herself on the back? First of all, the money isn’t even raised yet and second, she’s doing a world of good for these little kids, she deserves a pat on the back when we succeed. I will donate at least $20 when the info is posted…
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UPMSee Says:
“the more money we all spend, the more money goes into the pot toward the $10,000!”
really?!? a **whole** 15%?! wow! spend lots of money at my husband’s restaurant, we’ll keep 85%, and 15% goes to help sick kids! remember, i love them! in the meantime, i’ll keep taking victory laps over a 10K room in a 3/4 of a BILLION dollar hospital.
Pittsburgh. Only Cheesier.
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assholepolice Says:
UPMSee…from all of us to all of you…BITE ME ASSHOLE.
1) this has nothing to do with anything but helping out some kids in need – its not affiliated with the hospital outside of the fact they will give the room to house it I would assume…well that and thats where you will generally find sick kids to help…
2) to some degree all philanthropy is self serving — it makes you feel good to help others. It would be a far more fabulous world if everyone’s egomanical bullshit equaled play rooms for sick kids…cuz on the other end of the spectrum theres douchbags like you who think its necessary to rain on someone’s charitable parade with their own self righteous egotrip. If youre too cool to help out some kids that’s fine…shut up and leave the rest of us alone.
3) what would ever make you think that anyone who reads this blog or supports Ginny’s charitable causes would enjoy reading your crap? Ooooh….i know…your over inflated ego that thinks that every word that plops out of that thing you call a head is important and worthy of our consideration. Its ok for you to be wrong, hun…really it is. Please at the very least acknowledge your hypocrisy though. Ginny is an egomaniac because she helps sick kids to make her feel more important – POSITIVE EGOISM; you on the other hand feed your ego monster by making shitty comments on someone’s blog – NEGATIVE EGOISM. Hello? Pot? This is the kettle…
go back to your hole, troll. please? were trying to help some sick kids here whether you like it or not…
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butcher's dog Says:
UPMsee, you may have taken the phrase “human turd” to an entirely new level. My heart-felt congratulations to you, sir or madam. If you work at said hospital you should be deeply ashamed that efforts such as this one are even needed. If you think that any commercial venture, let alone a restaurant/bar, has 100% profit on all money taken in, you are a moron of the highest order. I’m guessing the profit margin is less than 15%, which means the giving is going to hurt Ginny’s husband.
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Jen Says:
UPMSee… what exactly are YOU donating to the kids this holiday season?
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Stacey Says:
Ah, not to mention that if you read through the comments, most of us here are donating money without going to the restaurant since we either aren’t in town or can’t make it out Saturday. That’s 100% toward this playroom and not profit to the restaurant.
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butcher's dog Says:
And to comment #31 let me add dicktoucher, douchenozzle, and monkeyf**ker to the list of monikers. Maybe dickmilker as well.
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UPMSee Says:
hi, jen!!
not sure, yet but when i do, i’ll be sure to tell everyone how awesome i am. again and again.
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ClumberKim Says:
UPMSee, may you never have a sick kid.
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red pen mama Says:
@UPMSee
1. You’re missing the point.
2. Ginny is not talking about how awesome she is. We are.We are, also, giving you excuses to come back here and rain on an admired Pittsburgh personality. Please resist the urge.
And have a nice day!
ciao,
rpm -
MamaBear Says:
Don’t feed the trolls.
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assholepolice Says:
lol @butcher’s dog…got some new ones now!!! and all more than appropriate. Seriously…what a dick! and for the record the profit margin in your average independently owned & operated restaurant is around 10-12% if you’re doing really well…the 15% they are donating is significant, esp for a brand new start up…even more irritating than their obvious lack of philanthropic inclinations they obviously have a slightly distorted view of small businesses as well. what use does this human have again?
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LH Says:
I Googled UPMSee and if you are the person with the MySpace account you are a HUGE hypocrite
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No Princesses Here Says:
Ginny, I think what you are doing is beyond wonderful. I wish I could go to both events, but since I’m 5 hours away, I’ll be donating on Monday.
I love that you’re doing something for the orphans as well and brought Ali and Jamie’s story to our attention. My grandmother grew up in an orphanage and still talks about how special it was any time anyone ever did anything for the kids there.
You rock.
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UPMSee Says:
does anyone else see the irony? a blog that takes cheap shots at many(and anonymously) and you are all shrieking over a few good pokes over what is -generously- a tacky, self promotion wrapped up in the flag of sick children?
that’s church!
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UPMSee Says:
feed this troll.
your fevered, righteous indignation is my succor.
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AJ Says:
I’m not going to feed the trolls. I’m going to donate my money and my time to help sick kids play video games. We should all do the same. There’s no voting and no internet shenanigans to go through. This is where you can put your money where your mouth is. I’m proud to live in this city and by god these kids are going to get kick ass video games.
Moral of the story: The glass is half full until you dump it on the person who thinks it’s half empty.
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gesture Says:
I’m coming home to the ‘burgh for Thanksgiving and I’m going to try my hardest to drag the family on Saturday, because who doesn’t want to spend an evening with ‘burghers who care about their city and the sick kids in it? Sounds like a wonderful night to me. See you there.
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gwen Says:
I already have a party at my house planned that day, but I will put out a bucket to collect funds for the cause!
(Dear troll: return to your bridge; you seem to be begging for handouts anyway.)
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ProudBurgher Says:
Okay,
1) This is Ginny’s personal blog. She can write whatever she wants in it. Nothing in this post is slanderous or libelous, and she certainly isn’t hurting anyone. If you feel like she’s tooting her own horn, so be it. Think what you want. We don’t care. If you’d like to start your own personal blog, since you seem to like yourself quite a bit, you, too, can have your own blog where YOU are allowed to write whatever you want. Check out Wordpress or Blogger.
2) Ginny is being quite self-less by taking on a project like this. But, for argument’s sake, let’s say she is doing it to sing her own praises – that’s irrelevant considering she’s still launching a fundraiser to HELP KIDS IN NEED. HELPING KIDS is the important part – nothing else matters. And for the record, celebrities have charity events all the time that certainly paint themselves in a good light, but the important part of those events are that people in need are being helped.
3) No offense to Ginny, because I certainly love her (and her blog) dearly, but she can’t take all the credit for this. Ginny isn’t saying she’s making a $10,000 donation out of her own checkbook. We are ALL a part of this. We ALL get to take the credit for helping these kids. Yes, I am a good person because I give to others. What a self-righteous bitch I am. -
Linda Says:
People like Ginny make the world go round!
It’s about the kids!
Thank you, Ginny. -
Mrs. Woy Says:
Look, someone has to initiate the idea. Ginny is merely the outlet to which the idea is spread to everyone. And why not? She has a popular following of dedicated readers. Her husband has a restaurant that serves tasty food and drinks. Everybody wins. Why not use that to benefit deserving children? As long as the money is raised to get the room, that’s all that matters. We shouldn’t deny a sick kid, that has probably endured more in their lifetime than we’ll ever know, a chance to forget their reality for a little bit while they play some games.
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UPMSee Says:
not blowing her own horn?
“I bet you thought I gave up on giving the older patients there a gaming room in which they can spend a few hours on Super Mario Sunshine..
I NEVER FORGET ABOUT THE KIDS!
Since that contest ended…I’ve been hard at work emailing and shenanigana-ing”
end quote
now, let’s all go for margaritas!
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gesture Says:
Oh, how dare she set up a way for us to raise money for children in the hospital. What a horrible person.
Get over it.
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parkingchair Says:
Perfect timing, UPMSee. I was thinking about everything I should be thankful for this week, and you’re number 1 with bullet. We need douchebags like you as a point of reference to see how good other people can be.
You obviously don’t “get” this blog and haven’t read it very often. Ginny blogged for weeks and weeks urging people to help the hospital win some cool stuff for kids who are sick and dying. It didn’t work out. So she took time to organize an effort to raise funds. She came up with an idea for a promotion and got her husband to join in. And she got Mario’s foundation involved. She’s not asking for a prize – she’s excited and proud of her efforts as she should be. Lighten up if you’re offended by her obvious excitement about creating some good news.
I’m sure you’ve felt the same way before – or will soon when you sit around with the rest of your troll buddies and exclaim how you verbally nailed that “poser” PittGirl (who by the way is a lot less ANONYMOUS than you are) and her followers.
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Lisa J Says:
Here’s what I’m going to say:
a-Ginny, you’re funny as hell. You make us laugh when we’re having a really crappy day. To the point that we all, at any given time, in and out of Pittsburgh are crying from laughing so hard.
b-when you choose to use your powers for good, you SHOULD pat yourself on the back. And who better than someone with sooooo many readers to remind us that other people need a little help.So please don’t let the troll get to you. You’re WAY better than that.
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Jill Says:
So, to summarize, the sick kids did not get a gameroom. Ginny heads up an effort to get them one. Uses her resources and connections she has to try to make it happen. WHAT AN EGO!!
First of all, the gameroom idea did not come from Ginny. Remember the contest?
And it is not blowing your own horn to say that you’ve been putting forth effort to organize a project such as this. That simply stating the obvious. I’m grateful that all I’m being asked for is cash!
Finally, it would be egotistical to raise money for a gameroom for yourself. It is a wonderful thing that Ginny has a heart for kids and can inspire lots of people to do something good.
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UPMSee Says:
help the hosptial?! UPMC needs help getting a 10K gameroom in a building that cost more that both stadiums combined and the leftover amount could make pittsburgh’s pension solvent?
rather it’s an exercise to help the smug and self-satisfied feel oh-so charitable when they are drinking discounted margaritas at her old man’s place.
all i am is ridiculing the narcissism and hubris involved in getting tweaked over a 10K room in a 700 *billion* dollar facility, while concurrently pounding one’s own chest as a grand humanitarian archetype.
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parkingchair Says:
By the way, UPMSee got me thinking again…
what’s with those uppity bitches going down to Haiti to act all “we’re holier than thou, working in some stinky Haitian orphanage and doing interviews with the media to talk about how important the work we’re doing is”!?
Seriously. That’s some f-ed up shit. I hate people like that!
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UPMSee Says:
feed the troll..and feel good about it!
i am donating $1 to the gameroom for every snotty and indignant post i earn BECAUSE I LOVE SICK KIDS.
i am an awesome human being.
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Jill Says:
So it’s the amount that’s a problem? 10K is not large enough, because the facility is so much more expensive …? I’m afraid that just doesn’t make sense to me. Ginny should save her enthusiasm for really large donations, I suppose. Do you have an exact figure we could throw around?
I refer you to this paragraph:
Now, you ask, can’t UPMC just fork over a quick 10 grand and do this themselves? I don’t know. Maybe they could. The point is that you and me, WE are giving this room to these kids as a gift and we’re essentially letting them know that there’s a whole city of people that would really like to see them kick the hell out of whatever it is they’re fighting at the moment.
end quote
By your logic, one should not send flowers to an ill friend because the friend already has a large rose garden.
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PSUlovesKids Says:
I really love charities where you know your money is going directly to fund something specific–not like some big charities where you’re often wondering if you’re paying for advertising or helping to cure a disease. But I digress…this is a fantastic idea. I wish that I wasn’t so far from Pittsburgh, but I plan to donate on Monday as well.
If you, Ginny, or anyone else here reading is interested in a similar cause, Penn State does a fundraiser for pediatric cancer called the Penn State Dance MaraTHON, or THON for short. All the money goes to the Four Diamonds fund, which sends the money directly to families by way of support–food vouchers, gas money, hotel stays, etc. for families who have children with cancer at Hershey Medical Center. This enables parents to stay above water while their life seems to fall apart. In addition to this, the money goes to help provide games and support for the children, much in the same way this fundraiser does. Students at PSU raised $7.49 million for the Four Diamonds fund last year. You might see the canners standing in the middle of the street in the winter–I hope you roll down your window and throw in some loose change next time you see one!
I know it’s not technically “Pittsburgh,” but after you raise your 10K (and I’m sure you will), this could be the next big step for you!
Also, UPMSee is not going to be swayed by a plethora of negative comments. I just hope that in disliking Ginny’s plan of action, he or she finds another way to donate to a charity in a way that he or she sees fit.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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Jonathan Says:
As the one who was fortunate enough to write the Pittsburgh Magazine article about Jamie and Ali McMutrie and the extraordinary volunteer work they do in Haiti for orphaned children, THANK YOU, GINNY for including the Ti Kanaval event in your heart and in your post. I look forward to doing everything I can for our sick kids at Children’s Hosp, too! (Love the idea for portable gaming devices for kids who are confined to bed.)
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Sooska Says:
Ginny- thanks for the acknowledgment of my suggestion. I am just another attention whore like you and Mario. Here’s *raises glass* to success. Moving Forward….*Drinks*
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UPMSee Says:
ooooh, is it a discounted $5 margarita?!?
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Carie Says:
I’m not sure but I think someone around here needs a hobby-*points at UPMSee. Could it be that person?
Oooh, I got it right! Feed my ego and pat me on the back, pronto!
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Pensgirl Says:
Ginny, you are one praise-grabber, organizing a fundraiser and then TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT IT. Don’t you know that real charity is keeping your fundraisers secret so nobody ever hears about them?
/moron
I am going to do my best to make it down on Saturday. I wanted to hit up Las Velas next time I was in town anyway, so this is the perfect excuse.
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Cassie Says:
Love it! Can’t wait to donate!
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Ali Says:
Thank you so much Virginia for including my sister and I in this post!! I’m looking forward to meeting you, hopefully it’s a successful night for helping kids in Haiti AND right here in Pittsburgh
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Lisa J Says:
I wasn’t going to do this, but I changed my mind. Hey UPMC:
I don’t have a bad thing to say to you. I know who you are. Maybe not personally, but I know people like you. I married someone who used to be like you. He felt that no one ever did anything for him, so when we do things for other people you have to try and be a jerk. 2 years ago, my husband was the same way. Give money for kids?? No way, that’s my money. Then, last year his ex wife decided to burn her house down. All of his kids things were lost in that fire. Toys, clothes, everything. What now? We couldn’t afford to all of a sudden have 6 people living in our house, eating everyday. Mr. No-faith-in-humanity had one hell of a change of heart. You see, complete strangers (Burghers) starting dropping off bags of clothes, toys, money, gift cards, even Christmas decorations. My parents showed up with food. A friend of the family we barely knew handed my husband $1500 for a lawyer to make sure those kids were never in harms way again. So now, guess where we’re gonna end up at dinner on Saturday?? With crowds, and traffic, and parking? Why because people changed his mind. And I think that some day, fr no reason at all, people will change your mind too. And when that day comes, your not going to care where a room is being boult, but for who it being built. You won’t care if at the end of the day a great writer gets to pat herself on the back, but that you get to pat yourself on the back for helping kids smile. And you know what? It’ll feel good to them and to you.
Good luck to you, UPMSee.
And because I’m on my iPhone, I can’t go back and check my grammer, so no judging my inability to spell…lol -
Cassie Says:
Another thing, UPMSee. I work for that great establishment. Yes, they spent a lot of money to build a HOSPITAL. So sorry about that. Sorry that sick kids have a place to go. Sorry they had to spend a lot of money to build a safe, secure place for the kids.
Sure, they should be buying a game room for the kids, but guess what? They’re not. So someone needs to step in. I support Ginny and her efforts 110% Clearly, since you think you are so awesome, I can’t wait to hear about all the things you are doing for sick kids and the needy this holiday season. What’s that? Nothing? Didn’t think so. Get off your high horse and do something better with your life than torment others doing a good thing on a blog. You pathetic piece of crap.I’ll be looking forward to your dollar donation on Monday.
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UPMSee Says:
you got it, sugarbumps.
anyway, since i love sick kids (did you know how much i love sick kids like pittgirl) and because i am awesome like pittgirl, i will send $100 for the gameroom if this tread gives reaches 100. larded up with all of your collective rage and piety -its an early kick off for the weekend of discounted margaritas and self-congratulating.
all i need is the mailing address and lots of yinz all puffed up.
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Lisa Says:
The troll is just making me want to donate more.
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Bojack Says:
Ginny, PLEEZ send me UPeeMSee’s info from the stat counter,
PLEEZ!!!!!!!! -
Bojack Says:
Urban Dictionary
1. Bojack
Used when You are Kicking ass, Or when you are going to.
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Burgh Baby Says:
It’s very easy to post a link and ask people to go vote for something. It gets a little bit harder when shenanigans happen and it starts to look like voting is pointless. Things start to turn complicated when people start saying that they would rather hand over $5 than fight with a rigged contest.
When it came to that, it would have been very easy to just walk away. Forget the contest, forget the mission, just wait for it to go away. Easy.
Accepting the challenge to raise money took cajones. There is no denying it because accepting that challenge also meant accepting the complications associated with doing a fundraiser. You have to worry about how the money will be collected, the tax implications for both the donor and yourself, liability issues, making sure the donations will be used appropriately, making sure the donations fit into the needs of the organization on the other end, etc. There is a lot to figure out, and as much as others may be willing and able to help, you still have to shoulder the responsibility if you want to make sure it all works out. Then there is all the energy and time required to make sure that the outcome lives up to expectations.
Ginny, you’re doing a good thing. I know you won’t pat yourself on the back, but when you pull this off, I’ll be the first in line to do it. I’m willing to bet I’ll be patting you on the back within a week of the donation button going up.
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avisualtinkle Says:
Come on troll, I’m doing my part to see you part with a hundred dollars.
Good luck with your respective goals. -
Lisa J Says:
I like that idea. We’ll just keep commenting till this reaches 100. Ginny, you’ll have to let us know if this person follows through.
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Amy Says:
Ginny,
I don’t have anything witty to add.I just wanted to say that your compassion and enthusiasm for the kids is infectious. Your blog brings entertainment and laughter to my world. Thank you.
This Burgher will do my part to help you reach your goal.
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Burgh Baby Says:
BTW, sorry about the novel up there.
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katsbynp Says:
I was not planning to come downtown but I am going to try to make it. I will call a few of my friends as we can always use a girls night out.
Count me in to help you reach your goal.
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red pen mama Says:
Number 80. Just ’cause.
ciao,
rpm -
NW Joe Says:
Is there self-interest on Ginny’s part? Sure. Outside of Mother Theresa and Ghandi (maybe), I don’t think anyone does charity for completely selfless reasons.
Why does that bother you, UPMSee? It in no way affects you. You are commenting for nobody but yourself. At least what Ginny is doing will help a bunch of sick kids.
Why not just donate the $100 because it is the right thing to do?
To the people commenting about UPMSee, name calling lowers you to his level. Why do it?
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Marc Says:
I also work at the new, $625 million Children’s Hospital and we’re extremely grateful for this effort (I did post in an earlier thread offering up my direct contact info so you could facilitate this directly with us).
Games and other activities are a huge part of helpings kids get through their hospitalizations, so this with have a direct and significant benefit to thousands and thousands of sick and injured kids every year. Be proud, readers of That’s Church. And on behalf of Children’s and the patients, thank you.
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geekrocket Says:
i don’t usually comment but since there’s a hundred bucks at stake i thought i’d put in my two cents.
UPMSee, do the comments need to be irate for you to cough up thr dough or can i be my normal sweet self? to save time i’ll do both…
comment A. Pittgirl, way to use your minions for good! i totally wish i had minions (mainly to clean my bathroom but they’de totally do charity work when they were done).
comment B. UPMSee, really? you honestly see this as a aelf serving gesture?I think you are a sad, egotistical person. Also, you’re just jelous you don’t have minions.
ps so sorry this comment is rambly and wierd…i took a benedryl -
PittinDC Says:
Ginny, thanks for setting this up! I’m so bummed that I’m flying back to DC to study for finals on Saturday afternoon, or I would have come down to Las Velas for the night. Either way, I’m looking forward to donating on Monday, and I’m definitely going to check out Las Velas the next time I’m home. I promised my mom I’d take her
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You Know… For Kids! Says:
[...] Ginny announced the campaign that we’ve been conspiring about for the past couple of weeks – an effort to raise [...]
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Cullene Says:
December 20th, 1996, my son was 13 months old and life-flighted to Children’s Hospital. It was the scariest time of my life. We spent 10 days there (he in an induced coma so as not to pull out all the tubes coming from everywhere), while he recovered from RSV. A few times during the following years he was hospitalized for bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma, but I’m happy to say that today he is a happy and healthy 14-year old.
Many times I wanted to say thanks in some way to Children’s Hospital and the excellent staff for pulling him through. I sent cards of thanks for the first few years over the holidays, but it just didn’t seem like enough. The dedicated doctors and nurses that work so hard to give the best care, I believe, would LOVE to see this happen for the kids they treat. And the kids themselves really deserve it!
Thanks so much for the great effort you’ve put into this cause. I, along with many, many others, are very grateful.
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Michael Hasko Says:
There’s a charity called Child’s Play (http://www.childsplaycharity.org) put on by the guys who run the web comic Penny Arcade. Every year, they get gamers of all types around the world to donate money. The cause? Various children’s hospitals around the world submit Wish Lists to Amazon of toys, video games, and the like that they need, and the money is spread across these hospitals.
There is not currently a Pittsburgh hospital there, so maybe someone could contact Child’s Play to be added next year.
I by no means intend to stomp over the awesome work being put on here…call it an alternate source of more joy for our sick kids in the Burg. (I mean, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Baltimore all are listed on Child’s Play, but not Pittsburgh…just sayin’, is all…)
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Don Says:
Ten grand? That’s how much Mario will pocket from the first hour of nacho sales when the new arena opens, thanks to the giveaway deal he got. He got that deal after lying about moving the Pens. So Mario’s name doesn’t exactly motivate me to write checks that buff up his image, y’know?
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NW Joe Says:
@ Don
Given what I said about other commenters above, I will not tell you what I think of you. As for your comment – have you ever heard of the Mario Lemieux Foundation? I am not sure how much he has donated out of his own pocket, but he has given his time and used his celebrity status to raise millions for his charity.
As for the new arena, Mario is a businessman. He did what Rooney, McClatchy and owners across the country have done – used the leverage he has (i.e., threatening to leave) to get what he needs to keep Crosby, Malkin, etc… Nobody forced the city and state to give him the money.
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NW Joe Says:
OK, Rooney didn’t threaten to leave but Lemieux did what every other owner who has wanted a new arena has done.
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UPMSee Says:
thank you, NW joe-
between an 8 billion dollar corporation and a multi-millionaire WHO OWNS A PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM (that threatened to leave if we didn’t build him a $350 million dollar area in a neighborhood where many sick and poor children live)
how many Xboxs would 300 mill buy or pay for treatment?
pittsburgh. only tackier.
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Lisa J Says:
Oh look, we’re closing in on those 100 comments.
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Kat Vivar Says:
let’s criticize anyone willing to help others. That always makes me feel better about myself. Yes, Lemieux has a bazillion dollars and stands to make more every second.And I’m sure they get a handsome tax write off for every cent of charity.
And IMAGINE a small business owner who still wants to make a little bit of profit THE HORROR!
SO what if UPMC is an evil evil empire much like starbucks and walmart. There are people, children, who deserve help and I don’t care what kind of “motives” are behind the giving and I am thankful for them.
PS I plan on making a donation because it will make me feel good and we know it’s ALL about ME! -
Kat Vivar Says:
Man, it’s early! i just re-read my post and it doesn’t make sense.
SOrry -
red pen mama Says:
Five more to go.
rpm
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UPMSee Says:
yes we are!
may i also suggest that in lieu of funding a $10,000 playroom for a multi-billion dollar, international health conglomerate and a hockey magnate, you instead could donate to the funeral fund for the impoverished family of the three poor children who died less than a month ago in clairton.
they weren’t sick, rather they were incinerated alive, though no fault of their own. living in public housing, in a community with the some of the most toxic air in the country, these children didn’t make it to the honor roll that discount margaritas confers.
Donations can be sent to the administration building at 502 Mitchell Ave., Clairton, 15025. Checks should be made payable to Clairton City School District and indicate the donation is for the fire victims’ families.
the only reference to clairton that comes up on this site is ridiculing a resident for selling a coupon on ebay.
enjoy those markdown margaritas!
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Virginia Says:
Michael,
I contacted Child’s Play several weeks ago and told them I wanted to raise $10,000 for them and they never returned my email.
That’s why I went to the Mario Lemieux Foundation instead.
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Bojack Says:
>>>UPMSee (AKA Smegma-breath) -
I would really, really like to meet your mis-directed,
skewed, full-of-shit, fake, bleeding heart punk ass!!If you are soo passionate about poor, toxic Clairton why don’t YOU show some initiative and mount a SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR awareness and giveaway campaign in Clairton??
Those kids would be alive!! Oh, I guess they never heard of them in Clairton!
Answer- because your’re nothing but a critical, negative piece of shit as are most of your ilk!
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Rant: Troll « Red Pen Mama Says:
[...] November 24, 2009 at 2:25 pm (About Me, The Blog-o-Sphere) (troll) I do not understand Internet trolling. I do not understand why you would visit someone’s blog (in this case) and call her names and belittle her — especially if the post in question is about trying to bring joy to sick kids. [...]
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Bojack Says:
I just love the word “ilk!”
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Bojack Says:
PAY UP MOTHERFUCKER!!!
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Bojack Says:
>>> Red Pen MaMa-
Unfortunately there’s no shortage of little-dick weenies like UPMSmegma who do NOTHING of their own but sit around and criticize people they are jealous of!!
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Stephanie Says:
umpsee keeps talking about the $8B the “health” system has. so why isn’t it putting up the $10k itself to fund this? that would be 0.000125% of it’s annual revenue. but upmc is all about lining its pockets instead of patient care. upmc is a research center. patients are just a means to an end.
children’s hospital does FANTASTIC work. they were the only hospital in the area who would treat my friend when she was born 35 years ago – and continued to treat her until her death at age 21 even after she became an adult b/c no other doctor would take her case. the kids there deserve everything we can do to help them. i won’t be there on saturday but you can be sure i will be donating.
and will someone going on saturday please pat ginny on the back for me?
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JenEngland Says:
Ok, maybe someone already pointed this out, but the profit margin for Restaurants is very slim, especially new ones. I am always amazed when Restaurants donate part of their take because of that fact. The failure rate (turn your head Ginny) for Restaurants is astronomical. This is a good deed. Period.
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Michael Hasko Says:
Virginia,
Ah well, that’s a shame. As I’ve already donated to them, I guess I’ll have to donate for this as well.
You know, to help even things out. -mgrin-
Sadly I’ll be out of town this weekend and can’t make any of my Ginny-mandated social calls (epic phail on my part, I know), but I’ll do what I can in the coming weeks.
Also, to readers of the blog, may I suggest this. If you’re making up Christmas lists to give to friends and family, may I suggest adding this at the top of your list:
*Instead of buying me a gift, donate the money you would have spent on me to a charity.
And then add links to the charities you’d liked to support. It’s the only thing I’m asking for Spendmas this year, and if you think you can go without that Best Buy gift card for the kids, it’s a powerful way to support causes you rally for.
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Emilie Says:
Rats – have a child’s birthday party to go to or I would be all over the margaritas.
As it were – can’t wait to make a donation after Monday. Great cause to support.
Someone have a margarita (or two or three) for me on Saturday night.
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Dina Says:
Ginny, I personally love that you have continued the quest from when the contest was over and we didn’t win. I suppose it’s actually better that we didn’t win, because it shows that Pittsburgh is willing to stand up for something we really believe in.
The people in Pittsburgh are SOME of the most incredibly giving, charitable people I have ever met. I am thankful beyond measure at the giving of Burghers. They have supported me as a newbie when I didn’t know anyone. So yeah. This Charity proves a point. It’s all about Pittsburgh Love, The fight for the Win. We didn’t win the contest? So what! This is even better.
I spent the better part of the first 5 years of my life in a Childrens Hospital. I wasn’t expected to make it. So I totally know what some of those other sick kids are going through. This game room will bring a smile and some joy where it’s needed most.
Thank you Ginny. -
Tinare Says:
Hey, just pumping up the thread count in case the jerk troll guy wants to weasel out by not counting his posts… Not that I’d expect an all-talk, no-action person to actually pay up anyway.
Looking forward to the direct-donate info. next week. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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bluzdude Says:
All this just goes to show that whatever one tries to do for the betterment of others, there’s always someone to crap all over it.
Ginny, it looks to me like your minions have your back.
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red pen mama Says:
@Bojack, down, boy.
ciao,
rpm -
Miss Lee Says:
Ginny, this is a GREAT initiative – I’m a former CHP employee and you can bet that every patient, employee and faculty member will truly appreciate the effort. Projects like this frees up other donations to go where the hospital has the greatest need (Free Care Fund, anyone?).
Can’t wait to donate on Monday.
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NW Joe Says:
UPMSee, every major league city in the past 20 years has built some stadium for their sports team. It doesn’t make it right. It just is.
However, I am not sure what is tackier. Some people that want to help sick kids or someone who seems to have nothing better to do with his life than belittle these people in order to make himself feel better about what has to be a miserable life.
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Bojack Says:
>>>RPM-
No can do!!
Mentally, and testicularly-challenged shitheads like UPMSmegma
need to be shat upon!!!!
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Don Says:
How about if I give money to a good cause without using Mario Lemieux as a middleman?
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Virginia Says:
Don, just wanted you to know that I needed a nonprofit middleman to funnel the donations through so that they would be tax deductible for those that would like that. Mario’s foundation came back to me the fastest with a yes and that’s why I’m using them. They’re also going to do all the work: Buying the equipment, arranging the room, the installation of equipment, the furniture delivery and assembly, EVERYTHING. They’re doing a wonderful thing for us.
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Don Says:
I just have a problem with people who make a public show of doing charitable things when there are thousands who do more and don’t seek or get publicity. There are people who take two buses three days a week to get to a soup kitchen, where they volunteer when TV cameras aren’t around. They impress me more than celebrities who show up for ribbon cuttings and “lend their name” to causes that ultimately serve to enhance their images.
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houndogg Says:
don, really??? using lemieux as your target??? i guarantee he does WAY more than what you hear about on tv or read in the paper. trust me, find something else to nit-pick…
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Don Says:
Yeah, really. And I know more about that you do, trust me. This is a guy who has his hands in the pockets of the public in so many ways and magically presents himself as a philanthropist. Sorry, I’m not 12 years old any more and don’t worship athletes and their BS machines.
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houndogg Says:
i like how you just assured someone you’ve never met and no nothing about that you “know more about” something than he does. way to go! so much for the quality of your statements… sorry you’re bitter
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Pittsburgh Girlie » Happy Thanksgiving Says:
[...] for the kids. Skip your afternoon coffee one day and throw in $5. Head on down to Las Velas on Saturday and get your drink on. Buy a WearPittsburgh t-shirt. Read here for more [...]
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Don Says:
I like how he assumed that my only knowledge of Lemieux was what was in the papers or on TV. Rate the quality of that statement. It’s not bitterness, it’s reality. Sorry it has to invade your silly world.
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Pittsburgh Girlie » Tweet-Up Says:
[...] ton of people, I’m sure, went to Las Velas last night and helped raise money for Make Room for [...]
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Random Thoughts: Broken Record « Red Pen Mama Says:
[...] night I went out by myself (! I know!) to the Make Room for Kids fundraiser at Las Velas. It was fun and relaxing and delicious. My drink of choice is usually beer or wine, but something [...]
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saturday. « Uncle Crappy Says:
[...] up at Las Velas on Saturday — did good. Ginny said the restaurant’s donation to the Make Room for Kids drive is upwards of $500. If you didn’t get a chance to come out on Saturday, you can still [...]
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a rational creature » Make Room For Kids! Says:
[...] forward to last week — Ginny had an announcement: I bet you thought I forgot all about our sick kids at Children’s Hospital, didn’t [...]
