Charity Golf Tournament...any golfers here?

[dollfin1204]

As I have mentioned in the past, when Steve was diagnosed with TC he was in the process of starting his own company and had no health insurance. Once diagnosed, treatment came so fast and Steve's health decreased rapidly. I tried to work while caring for Steve but after 2 months it took a major toll on me. I had no choice but to take a leave of absence from work, not being able to worry about finances. I knew some how things would work themselves out.
Steve's dad's secretary planned a surprise charity golf tournament to raise money for us(which we ended up finding out about before). With only a months and a half worth of planning, it turned out to be the most overwhemling success! Steve being a Golf Tournment Director in the past, it helped him keep his mind off cancer for awhile and kept his mind busy even from the hospital bed. I noticed a huge change in Steve's spirits when we found out about the tournament. He was so excited knowing so many people where coming together to show their love and support for him.
Steve is still not physcially able to go back to work yet, and I was laid off of work 4 days after returning from my leave, so he and have been talking about another golf tournament for early next year. We have talked many night about our plans. We have been so fortunate to have all our friends and family helping us. And now we want to give back to others who are in need like Steve and I have been. After meeting so many of you here on the forum, I have realized we are not alone, others also are in need. I see so many of you who have to travel for care and have to also take time off of work to either travel with your loved ones or because you are the one who needs the treatment.
Correct me if Im wrong, but it seems as though many foundations raise money for research, which is amazing and I would love to help them as well. But I want to have a foundation to help family's financailly. I know the last thing I ever wanted Steve to worry about was fianances. He has alot on his plate just praying he wakes up every morning and having to worry about if he is going to be able to eat today and keep it down.
We have been talking about starting an actual charity or foundation to raise money to help others in need. Steve and I want to make the golf tournament an annuel event. I have been trying to research how to go about it. I have called the IRS to get info on a tax exempt charity. But I keep getting the run around.
I am still working on it, so if any of you have any suggestions please send them my way!

Our next tournament we are planning is hopefully going to be at the end of February of 08. Our plan is to raise even more money than the first so we are able to help other people as well. I will keep all of you posted with all the details once I have the set date and location(which is in the works right now).

I would be so happy if I could get all of your help with this. If it's by coming out and joining us in a round of golf, donating your time, money or prizes. ANYTHING will help. The more money we raise the more people we can help

[Les' Mom]

Not a Golfer

Dollfin,

While I am across the country from you and not a golfer I would like to help. Please post with info about making a donation or sponsoring someone.

Hugs from the south,
Pam

[dadmo]

Check out any information you can on forming a 501 3c. That's where you need to begin. Get in contact with someone who can help you be recognized as an entity in your state then you have to file with the federal Gov't for tax exempt ststus. Nancay and I are waiting for the federal gov't to give our foundation the ok and then we can begin fund raising and helping those we can.

[dollfin1204]

Dadmo, I actually have that form already. I was told I need to get a Tax ID # first, then I have to complete the 501 3c form.
I'm first need to figure out how to go about starting the charity or foundation before I get a tax ID #. I have been told it's really hard as an individual to start a foundation. And that I need to to show that I have paid employees and stuff. But I'm not going to have all that. Steve and I are basically going to do it all with the help from our volunteers. So I'm trying to figure out how to go about it.

[dadmo]

All I needed was to get a P.O. box and list officers. That alllowed us to be reconized as an entity by the state. Now we're just waiting on the fed's, we have no one woeking for us and no income. We can't do that until the fed's give the ok.