BYOACers helping BYOACers

[CheffoJeffo]

I'm posting this here to get some more visibility, particularly for BYOACers in SW Ontario, Canada.

This past month, BYOACer lcmgadgets tragically lost his wife Laura. He is left caring for (and homeschooling) their 7-year old son who has Autism. As some of you know, I have two kids with Autism. The demands, both on the wallet and time, can be crippling. This has brought Craig's 6-year quest for an arcade cabinet to a grinding halt.

As suggested by Chad, I am trying to coordinate getting a cabinet together for Craig and his son. I have most of the makings of a 48-in-1 cabinet handy. I may or may not have a working arcade monitor, but do not have a suitable donor cabinet that isn't already in process for other projects.

If you can help, please post or PM me.

It's not charity.  It's humanity.  You're one of us and we take care of our own when we can.

Is there anyone in the Ontario area that might be able to help this guy out with his cab?  Or maybe find him a working game on which we can chip in to buy? 

I'll put some irons in this particular fire -- London is pretty much the coinop capital of SW Ontario and we should be able to come up with something. At the very least, I've got the assorted bits and bobs that most hoarders collectors have (including spare game boards ... think I have a 48-in-1 lying around ... and JAMMA harnesses), but no actual usable cabinet right now. I'll need to take a look at my monitor situation to see what I have there.

Any other BYOACers in London or here in Toronto that can lend a hand ? Drop me a PM.

EDIT: I had a quick look in the stash and pulled out a balltop stick, buttons, JAMMA harness and a 48-in-1 "B" board looking to go to this good home. I probably have a power supply as well, but need to test the ones I have. Probably also have some T-molding lying around as well. Who can fill in the missing pieces ? (As Chad points out, we can chip in and pay for stuff)

 

[Hoopz]

I am too far away to help but can throw some cash in to help.

[lilshawn]

I am too far away to help but can throw some cash in to help.

Ditto. Maybe saint could setup a paypal slush fund and someone close by Craig can build and deliver it.

[ChadTower]

I love how this is taking off.  BYOAC is a wonderful place.

Should we wait until we hear back from lcmgadgets to set a specific goal?  Only he knows what he and his son could make best use of right now.  We don't know if he has space for a full cabinet, or maybe he just needs help getting his finished, or perhaps a nice JAMMA cab is the answer.  Right now we're all motivation but little information.

[CheffoJeffo]

My thoughts were for a turnkey low maintenance solution -- that, and the fact that I have parts onhand, is what I was thinking (that, and the fact that I can wire up a JAMMA cab in no time whereas I don't have the time to build and configure a MAME cab and didn't want to volunteer anybody else local).

I already have a PM from somebody who has parts to share.

 

[ChadTower]

You're the right person to drive this, obviously, since you're the most local.  Let us know what we can contribute when you have that info.

[SavannahLion]

You know.... this is just a thought and all.

Would it be more prudent to find out what he needs first? I admit I don't know what life is like with autism but I'm guessing something stupid simple like shopping or cooking is a bit of a challenge? Or maybe someone to watch the child while he does what needs be done in arrangements? Maybe filling his car with gas?

I'm just suggesting. I like the idea of BYOACers helping each other out, but we should be careful not to give anyone a white elephant.

[ChadTower]

I agree but we're working within the scope of the community and what we know.

If he comes back and says he's having difficulty with a basic need like that I say we jump all over it if we can.

[SavannahLion]

I am too far away to help but can throw some cash in to help.

How about this. There are crazy number of parts in our collective basements , more than enough to build any cab. But if we throw cash into the pot, can we opt to throw it into his trust? I believe it was mentioned a trust was opened?

[ChadTower]

How about this. There are crazy number of parts in our collective basements , more than enough to build any cab. But if we throw cash into the pot, can we opt to throw it into his trust? I believe it was mentioned a trust was opened?

That sounds like a great option to me.  And a good emphasis on things that are more important than games.

[Hoopz]

Helping each other is why we are here.  If its a trust or for a cabinet, its all going to someone we can help have a slightly less awful day.

[TopJimmyCooks]

We can easily help with a few bucks AND get him set up with something to play on - if he wants it.  Any cash is obviously going to be a token amount compared with the needs, but definitely won't hurt. 

As noted on the other thread, I can kick in parts I have, carpentry for something shippable like a cp box, etc.

FYI what I have:  Ms pac man jamma bootleg board, couple of happ supers (black bat top) happ ms pac reunion (red balltop) red/blue/black buttons/switches probably 20 total.  No interface but add in a $20 interface and that's a CP right there.  couple sets of unused pc speakers-the cheap ones from RandyT.  Couple of leaf buttons/switches bought but never used.  I'd even put a box o crap on ebay and generate cash if that works better. 

Thanks to Cheffo for his offer to organize and for his valuable life experience/advice.  Jamma/xx in 1 could be a great way to make a stress free, solid cab.

[CheffoJeffo]

We can easily help with a few bucks AND get him set up with something to play on - if he wants it.  Any cash is obviously going to be a token amount compared with the needs, but definitely won't hurt. 

This.

I can handle the cab aspect (dude asked for a white elephant and, dammit, he is going to get a white elephant ... the idea, however, was to make it turnkey) and any advice I can give wrt Autism. We probably want somebody more responsible to handle donations to the trust (At least I do).

In the past, we have had vendors donate a portion of sales to worthwhile arcade-friendly sites and deserving charities. In the event that a vendor should do something similar here, I would encourage everybody to stock up on parts for their next cab ... and the one after that.

I have power supplies, so we are covered there (thanks to the so-far anonymous good guy who offered one up), and have a call out to the local community for a donor cab and monitor, which is all I seem to be missing (and can probably come up with in a pinch).

EDIT: Thanks to saint for the stickum!

[Turnarcades]

It's been a while since I checked in here but that's no excuse to distance myself or for tardiness. Being arcade builders of some rep now, even here in the UK I'm happy for us to help in any way we can. Parts, whatever, give me a list and I'll see what I can do.

[CheffoJeffo]

I now have a line on a donor cab, so we may be good to go for my 48-in-1 idea.

If it turns out that Craig can't make use of it, we can always sell it to raise funds (although I would like to see him accept the cab, then get to finish his MAME cab at a suitable pace, at which point he can sell the 48-in-1 to raise additional funds).

and 

EDIT: The local collector communities, both here and in London, are coming out with lots of support. One of the better xx-in-1 builders in SW Ontario is in London and has volunteered delivery, setup, support and repair services. A collector local to me is going to donate a cab from his shop and I have offers of sticks, buttons and harnesses from others. After being in a bit of a funk recently concerning this hobby, I am once again energized. Thanks everybody! Now get back to your fundraising!

[Well Fed Games]

I like this thread. Will stay in loop on how to help out. 

[Ond]

Count me in for any art, design, logos etc or cash donation once I know where to send it.

[ChadTower]

I will handle the fund raising if that's acceptable to everybody else.  I've never done this before so all advice is welcomed.

The first suggestion was to use gofundme.com.  Does anyone have a better suggestion? 

[t3design]

PayPal is going to take 3%. A site like gofundme takes another 5%. What you get for that is the assurance that the money is going to our friend. If he has a Paypal account we could just send directly to him and let him keep the extra 5%.

Just my two cents.

[ChadTower]

PayPal is going to take 3%. A site like gofundme takes another 5%. What you get for that is the assurance that the money is going to our friend. If he has a Paypal account we could just send directly to him and let him keep the extra 5%.

Just my two cents.

That is the sort of feedback I was looking for.  Do we need to use a formal website or should we simply set up a direct donation account?  Maybe the trust has a way to directly contribute.  Some of them are set up that way.

[HaRuMaN]

If you use PayPal gift, the fees, if any, are charged to the giver.  There are no fees if giving from existing funds, but there are fees from giving from a credit card, etc.

[Le Chuck]

If you use PayPal gift, the fees, if any, are charged to the giver.  There are no fees if giving from existing funds, but there are fees from giving from a credit card, etc.

Having Craig provide a PP account address that donations can be sent directly to would be the best deal.  If for any reason Craig can't open a pp account then a proxy could be used (think of Ken Layton's innernets) but a direct account would take all of the guess work out and leave whoever is cheerleading the giving to do exactly that and not actually handle any funds. I'm down for a donation of parts and cash.

[ChadTower]

Does Paypal have a limit on the number of gifts an account can receive?  Their free services have always been set up with limits to keep them low volume.

[HaRuMaN]

Does Paypal have a limit on the number of gifts an account can receive?  Their free services have always been set up with limits to keep them low volume.

None that I am aware of.

[SavannahLion]

Does Paypal have a limit on the number of gifts an account can receive?  Their free services have always been set up with limits to keep them low volume.

None that I am aware of.

Yeah, but the horror stories of pp freezing accounts for undefined.amounts of time because of "unusual" activity or from even a hint of complaint is bountiful. Pissed off Child's Play charity enough that they ditched PayPal. I don't think he needs that kind of headache.

[lilshawn]

iv'e only ever heard of paypal freezing funds on limited accounts...not on verified accounts. I suppose it could still happen. somebody should really READ that terms of service thingie that people just click agree too when they sign up...i imagine it's all laid out there.

I've heard that $2000 is the magic number that gets their attention... transferring back to account or into paypal.

also using the paypal account before it's verified shows up as a red flag too.

other red flags i've heard about:

- logging into the account from several different IP addresses

- registering a name, address, phone number, email address that is the same as one that has been flagged before...even if it's similar.

- transferring funds to or from someone who is or has been previously investigated.

- you have bought or sold something on ebay that is popular for scammers to sell (playstation 3, OEM software etc).

- you have recieved money from someone living in paypals "watch these countries" list

-transferring money whilst using the same IP address to accept it.

-by me typing out these bad things about ebay they could limit or freeze my account. 

there are literally 100's of scenarios which paypal will flag or freeze your account.

[CheffoJeffo]

Hey saint, where's the damned :recoil smiley?

http://www.yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/obituary.asp?oid=640385

EDIT: No need for the editorial.

[lordnacho]

In for a monetary donation.  My parts pile all have future homes

My sister lives in Guelph, had to check a map, but isn't too far.  I'm overdue for a visit, so if I can help in any way, let me know.

[Dervacumen]

I've seen people just open up an account at a bank and spread the routing and account number info as well as the name on the account.  If you live anywhere near a local branch you can just make a deposit and it doesn't cost anything.

[CheffoJeffo]

I will be picking up the cabinet on Sunday morning -- many thanks to 762762 over at CGCC for his donation!

[ChadTower]

Nice!

[SavannahLion]

I've seen people just open up an account at a bank and spread the routing and account number info as well as the name on the account.  If you live anywhere near a local branch you can just make a deposit and it doesn't cost anything.

Problem is it isn't the same bank in every country.

[dextercf]

I need to sign up for this.
Any help I could give, although I'm located in Norway (the country), would be available!

[claremont]

I was widowed at the age of 30. From first hand experience I can tell you that having things that keep you busy are very valuable. And I dont mean spending more time with  your child (as negative as that sounds). In my experience I needed mindless, time consuming, complete distraction.

If he has the capability, BUILDING a cab will likely be a good distraction from his dark reality right now. Giving him a completed cab? Pribably not so much.

Want some insight as to what he is going through, read the diary I wrote during my wife's last days. It is an eye opener into the reality of widowhood.

http://www.amazon.com/Loss-Of-An-Angel-ebook/dp/B005645DJI/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

[EightBySix]

I'll help from the uk in which ever way is practical.

[Le Chuck]

I was widowed at the age of 30. From first hand experience I can tell you that having things that keep you busy are very valuable. And I dont mean spending more time with  your child (as negative as that sounds). In my experience I needed mindless, time consuming, complete distraction.

If he has the capability, BUILDING a cab will likely be a good distraction from his dark reality right now. Giving him a completed cab? Pribably not so much.

Want some insight as to what he is going through, read the diary I wrote during my wife's last days. It is an eye opener into the reality of widowhood.

http://www.amazon.com/Loss-Of-An-Angel-ebook/dp/B005645DJI/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

Dude, there is a right and a wrong way to plug your book, no matter how germain it may be.  Good luck with your sales.

[claremont]

Hey Le Chuck, I am sure you are not that naive. If you think I am punping sales at a profit of 12 cents per book you are, shall we say, mistaken. I am willing to bet that a minuscule number of people reading this thread have any idea what this guy is going through. I do. If I am promoting anything it is awareness.

[lilshawn]

I was widowed at the age of 30. From first hand experience I can tell you that having things that keep you busy are very valuable. And I dont mean spending more time with  your child (as negative as that sounds). In my experience I needed mindless, time consuming, complete distraction.

If he has the capability, BUILDING a cab will likely be a good distraction from his dark reality right now. Giving him a completed cab? Pribably not so much.

Want some insight as to what he is going through, read the diary I wrote during my wife's last days. It is an eye opener into the reality of widowhood.

http://www.amazon.com/Loss-Of-An-Angel-ebook/dp/B005645DJI/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

Dude, there is a right and a wrong way to plug your book, no matter how germain it may be.  Good luck with your sales.

yeah, i'm not sure I like where this is going. 

[Le Chuck]

Hey Le Chuck, I am sure you are not that naive. If you think I am punping sales at a profit of 12 cents per book you are, shall we say, mistaken. I am willing to bet that a minuscule number of people reading this thread have any idea what this guy is going through. I do. If I am promoting anything it is awareness.

Then send him a free copy.

[claremont]

My point was, if you want to HELP, then TRY TO UNDERSTAND. That was the most frustrating part of being widowed for me. The fact that people wanted to help, but very few made the effort to understand what I was going through. And of course, I dont blame them. Writing a check is easy, but impersonal. Widow(er)s dont want your money. They dont want your sympathy. They desperately want someone to understand what the hell they are going through, at a time when not even THEY understand.

So if you think my post had ulterior motives, or was poorly placed then you have no idea where I am coming from, and that is OK, but dont dare consider this a spam post. Unless you have been there and done that, you have no idea.

Send him a copy? I will do one better. Every penny from every sale for the next thirty days goes stright to his fund. The only reason the book is 99 cents is because I cant price it any lower per amazon rules.