Topic: Solstice Charity Donation Event

[Hoosier GXP]

   As many of you know a group attended the Pontiac Oakland museum in Pontiac Ill this past year. Ever since that visit I had this idea that it would be great if we as a community could somehow place a Solstice in the museum.
   I, like all of you, was saddened the day I heard that they would no longer build our cars, or any Pontiac for that matter. The first time that I saw a brochure for this vehicle I knew I had to have one and I know many of you felt that same way. I recall the excitement on the forum when we were all waiting for that train or truck or order number to get a build slot. I look back at all the friends I have made since I have owned this car and the joy it has provided as I have driven down a twisting road or city street. I am sure that all of you can relate to this and much more. That is why I am asking you now to join me in making this very special event happen. It is time we gave back to the car that has provided us all many moments of pleasure and joy, whether you are a “gear head” or a “weekend cruiser” or just your daily driver. Its time to show your appreciation for the looks you have gotten and the many smiles it has put on your face as you have popped the top and went for a drive. I could think of many other reasons but I think you get the idea and probably have many of your own that you could add.
 
 I am asking not only for your donation but your help and support in making this project happen. This is not something that a single person can do but as a group we can accomplish it. So I am asking you once again to remember those special moments that this vehicle has provided you and give it the place and recognition it deserves.

  I extend a special invitation to our fellow Kappa family members to join us. I know we have our friendly rivalries but if anyone understands what we are trying to do here you all most certainly do. So please join us in this project and its celebration.

 I have been in contact with Tim Dye, Director of the Pontiac Oakland Museum, and proposed this idea to him. He agreed to set up a section on his official museum site to handle this project.  All donations will be made directly to the museum by either PayPal, personal check, or by contacting the museum directly. You will be able to use PayPal even if you don’t have a PayPal account so the payment process is very simple.


  Tim has assured me that this vehicle will be on permanent display at the museum and along with the car will be a plaque with plates containing the names of the contributors to this project. Contributions of $100 or more will be eligible for these plates. Any and all donations amounts are welcomed and accepted.  You can have your name or your forum screen name engraved on the plate. If you use PayPal to make your donation you will see a box to add a message. In that box you can add how you want your plate engraved. Mr & Mrs Sam Jones or Sam & Mary Jones ect. Or you can contact the museum directly to do so.

  Our goal is to raise $18,000 for this project. There will be a “meter” on the official donation page to gauge the fund raising progress. It will be up to Tim to decide on what vehicle he will try and get but I know he is leaning toward a first 1000 or a Street Edition.

All donations are tax deductible as the museum is a 501 c charity.

  An induction celebration is planed to commemorate this event details will be on the donation page and posted here on the forums when they are available.

We have set July of 2012 as a deadline to raise the funds for this project. 



A message from Tim Dye:

 The Pontiac-Oakland Museum & Resource Center located in Pontiac, Illinois is a relatively new institution, having just opened last year. However, in this short amount of time the museum has gained the respect of the hobby community and praised by visitors and museum professional alike for the high standards found in its quality displays and in the depth of its collections. As the only museum dedicated to Pontiac and Oakland automobiles, we take very seriously our role of preserving Pontiac and Oakland history. Our mission to preserve, exhibit, and maintain Pontiac and Oakland automobiles and related artifacts is all the more important now that the brand is no longer in production. We are both pleased and honored that the Kappa community is joining with us in this effort by raising funds to purchase a Pontiac Solstice to be placed as a permanent part of the museums collection. Thank you for your support.

Tim Dye
Director, Pontiac-Oakland Museum
Pontiac, Illinois


Click here to be taken to the official donation site.

http://www.pontiacoaklandmuseum.org/solstice/


If you would like to join into the discussion please go here to post.

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f33/solstice-donation-charity-event-discussion-page-71654/

[Hoosier GXP]

Bump.....

[Sol Asylum]

So what happens if people donate and yet the goal is not reached?

[Hoosier GXP]

So what happens if people donate and yet the goal is not reached?

A valid question. My best answer, how can we not make that goal. Given the relatively small amount we are trying to raise verses the number of people on the respective forums, I see no reason why we should fall short in our effort. I was hoping, and still am, that others would join me and take up the call to promote this and help spread the word. I am some what puzzled by the lack of support and donations.  I will continue my effort to campaign for this idea and I know I am not the only one who believes this to be a good cause. So I ask all of you, please step up and help.

[miller11386]

Its not exactly a booming time...and not everyone who would be financially able to to donate would do it online.

IMO your best bet would be to setup a table at nationals in Ashville and try to get donations there. People have money out already and are spending it, and will not mind as much donating at that time.

That being said, you need to have photos of the museum, and things a decent setup to solicit donations like that. Kinda the whole "if it doesn't look right, it probably isnt right" mentality. I am in no way saying you would try to take the $, but people just need to be convinced that its a worthy cause of their dollars.

Perhaps something as simple as a couple 11X17 collage of photos of the museum would work. Tons of forum memebers use photoshop and would probably splice one or more together for you.

Another perhaps with donations give out rubber bracelets that say something like "Save the Kappa" or "Pontiac" or something along those lines to give out when people donate $20 or more.

In today's world everyone wants money for something, personally my knee jerk reaction to anyone who asks me for donations with nothing in return is to just ignore it and move on. Now some cheesy rubber bracelet sweetens the pot . one of them is actually on my sky's gear shifter right now actually.

Bottom line, you look like you have a worthy cause, you just need to market it.

[Hoosier GXP]

Its not exactly a booming time...and not everyone who would be financially able to to donate would do it online.

IMO your best bet would be to setup a table at nationals in Ashville and try to get donations there. People have money out already and are spending it, and will not mind as much donating at that time.

That being said, you need to have photos of the museum, and things a decent setup to solicit donations like that. Kinda the whole "if it doesn't look right, it probably isnt right" mentality. I am in no way saying you would try to take the $, but people just need to be convinced that its a worthy cause of their dollars.

Perhaps something as simple as a couple 11X17 collage of photos of the museum would work. Tons of forum memebers use photoshop and would probably splice one or more together for you.

Another perhaps with donations give out rubber bracelets that say something like "Save the Kappa" or "Pontiac" or something along those lines to give out when people donate $20 or more.

In today's world everyone wants money for something, personally my knee jerk reaction to anyone who asks me for donations with nothing in return is to just ignore it and move on. Now some cheesy rubber bracelet sweetens the pot . one of them is actually on my sky's gear shifter right now actually.

Bottom line, you look like you have a worthy cause, you just need to market it.

Thanks for your feed back. Some interesting thoughts there.

I will add that I take none of this money. It all is donated directly to the museum through their website. If people are not comfortable donating online there are two other ways to donate, you can send a check or call the museum directly. All of this info and more can be found here on this site.


http://www.pontiacoaklandmuseum.org/solstice/

[Sol Asylum]

A valid question. My best answer, how can we not make that goal. Given the relatively small amount we are trying to raise verses the number of people on the respective forums, I see no reason why we should fall short in our effort. I was hoping, and still am, that others would join me and take up the call to promote this and help spread the word. I am some what puzzled by the lack of support and donations.  I will continue my effort to campaign for this idea and I know I am not the only one who believes this to be a good cause. So I ask all of you, please step up and help.

Not exactly an answer to the question and and since you ask how can we not make the goal, it kind of looks like your not even close so even thought I think its a good idea and having been to the museum a few times know how good the museum is, the reality is it is very possible that you won't raise the funds by the deadline.  So what happens then?

[Gentleman Jack]

I've read you post a few times and I'm not sure what the money is for. Are we buying a car to give to the museum?  So they can drive it? Why don't they just go get a shell and some wheels and be done with it?

This next part is not a personal attack, it is my opinion:

The other part I'm struggling with is my lack of sentimentality. I really don't care if a car is in a museum. I don't see the point. Does having a car in a museum increase the value of the car?  Does it get better gas mileage? Will Miller be able to pick up more girls in his Sky because there is a Solstice in the museum?  The Kappa is not the Great Pyramids nor is it something like the American Flag. I guess I just don't see this as a worthy cause. (grumpy old man rant over).


Also- some of what Miller said.
(damn Miller, twice in a week that I have agreed with you.  If SA agrees with me agreeing with you, the world may truly be coming to an end)

GJ

[Hoosier GXP]

I've read you post a few times and I'm not sure what the money is for. Are we buying a car to give to the museum?  So they can drive it? Why don't they just go get a shell and some wheels and be done with it?

This next part is not a personal attack, it is my opinion:

The other part I'm struggling with is my lack of sentimentality. I really don't care if a car is in a museum. I don't see the point. Does having a car in a museum increase the value of the car?  Does it get better gas mileage? Will Miller be able to pick up more girls in his Sky because there is a Solstice in the museum?  The Kappa is not the Great Pyramids nor is it something like the American Flag. I guess I just don't see this as a worthy cause. (grumpy old man rant over).


Also- some of what Miller said.
(damn Miller, twice in a week that I have agreed with you.  If SA agrees with me agreeing with you, the world may truly be coming to an end)

GJ

Yes the purpose of the donation is to buy a car and place it in the museum for a permanent display. I understand that not all people are interested in this or for that matter in favor of it. Will this be a life changing event for someone, you never know. All that being said we will still take a donation from "grumpy old men" to.

[DeepBlueGXP]

If you visited the Pontiac Museum, you may feel more strongly about donating.  Like he said, it's tax deductible.....

[ihawk95]

What Joe said...if you visited the museum and the town of Pontiac, you want to give something back to them. Everything they do is free...the museums, the sites, the entire weekend, the trolley, it's all done by Volunteers and donations by people. Last year, people wanted to throw in extra $ for a video. Since I still have not been able to get that, let's throw in for a car for the museum/city.

Now on the other hand...I know our community fairly well and would rather this not be tied into a date. For exactly the reason SA said...what happens when we don't come through with a car? This was not my call...Tim Dye wanted a date, so Glenn gave him a date. It is what it is. I love this community for the most part, but sometimes, we're an extremely fickle group. So I'm not surprised there is some negativity.

I'll try to get some pics of the museum up, but it won't do it justice. It's a great little place and once you meet Tim, his wife Penny, Bob the Mayor, and all the volunteers...you want to help the city out. I wish I could explain it.

And I know the Sky owners might feel left out. I don't like that and always think of us as the same, so...I'd like to talk to Ellie about having either a Kappa class, or a Sky class and a Solstice class. That way, those that want to participate in donating can come...visit this great little town with everything it has to offer and still get something.

And by the way, I'm probably doing dash plaques, t-shirts or some sort of deal for the even portion of this, so it won't be a...something for nothing thing.

Already thought of the Asheville thing...probably not a good idea. There are other charitible organizatons there and fundraising that will be going on for other causes, I don't feel right about taking away from those things. I don't want it to feel like a competition.

The money goes directly to the museum. The link provided is to a special page just for the Kappa Community. There is also a Facebook Page about the Museum with a link for our group.

Did I miss anything? Any other questions, comments or concerns?

[Sol Asylum]

Hey GJ I agree with........

DBG, Hoosier GXP, and Ihawk about the museum being a pretty worthwhile place.  Tim Dye has done a lot to preserve the Pontiac history there and it's not just some fly by night scam.  Miller if you click on the link in the first post and then from there go to the various tabs under the banner you can see pictures of the museum and read up on it.  I and others can tell you the museum is just like what you will see in the pictures there.

There are already a few Kappa items in the museum donated by some of the forum members here, and it is kind of a nice feeling knowing that something you donated is on exhibit for other enthusiasts to appreciate.

The last time I was there Tim was telling me about the idea to donate a Solstice to the museum and I could tell he was really excited about having a Kappa to add to the collection.  He was also explaining how he was wanting to change things around in the museum so that he could display all the various Kappa items he now has with the car should things work out.  The museum in downtown Pontiac IL isn't really large and Tim has a lot of other items that he simply doesn't have space for so to get an exhibit there is kind of a big deal.

My comments about the dead line were not meant to be negative, I just was wondering what would happen if by the deadline the money wasn't there and I think maybe others would be hesitant to donate because of the same concern. 

[ihawk95]

Thanks SA. You explained what I couldn't. The last I knew the museum had plans to expand to the upstairs of the building. And you are right, between myself, other members, and Tim, they have a nice little collection.  They also have a large research  library with technical manuals for almost every Pontiac out there. The place is small but really cool! Like the guy who donated his car and took a pic of it brand new in Chicago back in the early 60's. Then he took the same oic with the car a few years ago. I loved seeing how the neighborhood had changed. It's little details like that one that we'll have too! What if we all send pics of our cars? So if you donate, you send a pic. We could make a cool collage like they did for the plant workers and display it with the car. Do you guys like that idea? Send a pic of you and the car. Might be cool to go see that with something we contributed.

I agree with you, SA, regarding what happens if we don't make the date. I've also asked and my understanding is we donate the car at a later date when we do have the funds. We should know enough ahead of time so people could cancel coming if they wished. I honestly don't care how many people come to my thing. It'll be a good time if I get 5 cars or 40.

[ihawk95]

Ok. I thought of a few more ideas to make people feel like they are more involved. I emailed Ellie so we'll see. I also asked her about having a classes for us at cruise night. If they won't do it, I'll just do something myself and have people from the city like the mayor, council, state rep, etc judge us.

We'll think of some cool stuff to go with this! Besides my usual stuff I do!

[Gentleman Jack]

Well, from the sounds of it, I guess I'm going to have to visit this place.

ROAD TRIP!

[ihawk95]

Here...check this out:

http://www.pontiacoaklandmuseum.org/upcoming-events/pontiac-solstice-club-visit/

That's us!!!

[Hoosier GXP]

I understand the concerns of not making the date but honestly we are not asking the impossible here. If it means sacrificing a long weekend  or a Friday night out or one less toy for your car it will be well worth it. Rarely do we get a chance to be a part of something that others will view long after we are gone. When we get this car in the museum it will almost be required that you come and see it. It could become a yearly event, a reunion if you will, to celebrate what we have accomplished.  We all have runs and outings planned, make it your goal to ask each and every person to join you in this effort.

[Critterman]

I have been quiet on this for a while, but you know even it we never get to the point where the museum cannot buy a car, it still goes to a good cause.  As you said it is a night out.

[Hoosier GXP]

I have been quiet on this for a while, but you know even it we never get to the point where the museum cannot buy a car, it still goes to a good cause.  As you said it is a night out.

Thank you. I am hoping more feel that way and donate that "night out" to the cause.

[Hoosier GXP]

Current donation is $850 can you help make it $1000 before midnight 

[Hoosier GXP]

We have reached our first $1000 dollar mark.        Now who will help us get to the next 1000  Come on everyone please join in and help make this happen.

[Hoosier GXP]

You say you don't want your name posted on the donation site,  ....You know you can call the museum at 815-842-2345 .... You don't have a phone!!!!    ... well here is the mailing address.

Pontiac-Oakland Museum
205 N. Mill St.
Pontiac, Illinois 61764

[Gentleman Jack]

How much are you trying to raise?

[Hoosier GXP]

How much are you trying to raise?

See the first post in this thread it will give you all the details.

[Critterman]

$18,000 - he is too lazy to look, and won't remeber what he was looking for by the time he reads that message.