Christian Children's Fund refuses D & D tainted money

[Lord of the Abyss]

Live Game Auctions

I haven't been able to find an actual news site that's picked this up, but it's being talked about on a variety of sites that the Christian Children's Fund refused a donation of the proceeds from the annual Gen Con & Origins Charity Auction, because some of the money came from Dungeons & Dragons. Because, you know, the welfare of children isn't as important as shunning a game.

On Saturday, August 15th, 2008 at 6:00 PM, the Gen Con Live Game Auction hosted their traditional charity auction. This year, the event was in honor of Gary Gygax. Originally the charity chosen for GenCon was Gary's favorite charity, the Christian Children's Fund. Unfortunately, when they found out that the money they would get came partially from sales of Dungeons and Dragons they decided not to be the sponsored charity. Instead Fisher House Foundation became the official charity of GenCon this year!! The Fisher House Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available.

[Zixinus]

If they refuse to get money from a certain source, then I don't think that they are that good charity to begin with, so no real loss.

[Kodiak]

Live Game Auctions

I haven't been able to find an actual news site that's picked this up, but it's being talked about on a variety of sites that the Christian Children's Fund refused a donation of the proceeds from the annual Gen Con & Origins Charity Auction, because some of the money came from Dungeons & Dragons. Because, you know, the welfare of children isn't as important as shunning a game.

Shunning a game who's entire claim to infamy is based on lies from Jack Chick. I remember when I was 14 on a Church youth activity and my brother and I were talking about D&D. There was a mother there who tried to save us from D&D:

Her: You shouldn't play that game, it uses evil images.
Me: They're no more evil than Lord of the Rings. It's a problem solving game.
Her: Well, you're dealing with evil ideas in the game, doing bad things.
Bro: In our last game, we saved a village of halflings from a dragon. How is that evil?
Her: Well, the dragon is a symbol for SATAN!
Me: And.... we killed him. We vanquish satan in our free time
Her: I read about some kid who's character died and he killed himself!
Bro: Where was that, and when? Was it on the news.
Her: I uh, don't remember. But it happened! It'll happen to you!
Me to my Bro: If my fighter-cleric dies, I'm gonna make a Druid!
Bro: Druids totally Rock!
Her: EVILSATANBADBADBAD!

Honestly, I can't think of a more "safe" activity for teenagers to be engaged in while still socializing than to be at a friend's house rolling dice, marking a scoresheet, and drinking soda. In fact, if you replaced the dice with little beans you'd have Christianity's favorite pasttime: BINGO!

[Ender]

At the OotS boards (basically ground zero for this bruhaha) someone wrote CCF to find out what the deal was. Here was the response.

"Dear (i removed my name),

Thank you for writing to Anne Goddard and sharing your concerns. Anne was traveling when she received your email. We discussed your concern and she asked that I respond on her behalf. Please know that we take your email very seriously.

There appears to be a misunderstanding which I would like to correct. When Gen Con contacted CCF about its auction, we were pleased to accept donations. However, we couldn’t lend our name for publication because our policies have specific criteria for endorsements. We were unaware that this had caused any problem or concern for Gen Con until we began receiving emails. This decision was in no way intended to be a reflection on Mr. Gygax, gaming enthusiasts or the game Dungeon and Dragons. We have the utmost respect for the gaming community and were touched by the generosity expressed through your auction. We were disappointed that we were not the recipients of the donation but we were pleased that another worthy organization benefited.

We realize this has become a topic of discussion in the gaming community and we hope you will help us by sharing this response.

The needs of children are great and we welcome your support. Should you wish to learn more we invite you to visit our website at http://www.christianchildrensfund.org.

Again, I thank you for taking the time to voice your concern. Your passion for gaming and your support for children are admirable.

Sincerely,
Cheri Dahl
Vice President, International Communications and Fundraising

Christian Children's Fund
2821 Emerywood Parkway
Richmond, Virginia 23294
(804) 756-2702

cherid@ccfusa.org
http://www.christianchildrensfund.org"

mountain, molehill.


EDIT: Gary must be rolling in his grave. (think about it)

[CmdrWilkens]

So basically they couldn't be a sponsor charity (they could accept money but didn't want their name to be used to help drum up support) and this turned into a huge bruhaha because of preconceived notions about both sides.

[La Maupin]

So basically they couldn't be a sponsor charity (they could accept money but didn't want their name to be used to help drum up support) and this turned into a huge bruhaha because of preconceived notions about both sides.

Surprise: None.

[Coyote]

Does CCF hand out aid and charity to children on the condition that those children attend churches, convert, or listen to missionaries?

If it's a "convert or starve!" charity, they need to be alienated, because I don't want my clean gamer money going to such a sordid and evil organization...

[Temjin]

Does CCF hand out aid and charity to children on the condition that those children attend churches, convert, or listen to missionaries?

If it's a "convert or starve!" charity, they need to be alienated, because I don't want my clean gamer money going to such a sordid and evil organization...

Nope.

I don't have a source for this, but I remember CCF getting in trouble among some fundies because even though they're named Christian Childrens fund, they don't proselytize.

[marlina]

I have heard that as women there are different loans and things that can help you get started for opening a business. If so, can you tell me where I can find out about these? There is an already established business and everything needed to get up and running within weeks. I want to buy that start in new image. My husband has worked in that field for years, so experience is not a problem. I need links for grants to help me get started. Thanks in advanced.

[Alien-Carrot]

Should I point out what happened here, or should I let a moderator do it?

Just a word of advice marlina. Check the last post date before posting. Dont feel bad, I made the same mistake my first post.

[Mr Bean]

Thread locked, don't necro