Author (Read 10228 times)

Jin Jian · « **Reply #25 on:** April 21, 2012, 09:14:53 PM »

you are wrong .. i have being watching this .. it has being relist for the second time

Don Boyer · « **Reply #26 on:** April 22, 2012, 01:51:43 AM »

Quote from: NathanCanadas on April 21, 2012, 11:31:24 AM

Quote from: hawjinjian on April 21, 2012, 08:08:43 AM
sorry man i cant be helping but i know a place to get streamline cheaper .. btw where did you buy the gemaco deck ?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Streamline-Poker-Playing-Cards-Case-12-boxes-12-decks-each-/140740952320?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c4d08100
It may be cheaper right now since the auction hasn't started, but it probably won't be cheaper in the end.

Quote from: hawjinjian on April 21, 2012, 09:14:53 PM

you are wrong .. i have being watching this .. it has being relist for the second time

Guys, neutral corners!

It doesn't matter - the auction ends in less than 36 hours and I'm trying to cut a deal for a larger purchase. The savings are almost totally negated by the shipping charge of $25 anyway. Thanks for looking, Hawjinjian, but it's easier to go through a retailer than an auction seller for something this size.

I received more donations, so it looks like I might be able to swing a purchase of two gross instead of just one if contributions continue at this pace. I'm going to ask my program coordinator at the hospital Monday about what news if any she's had from Kardwell.

Don Boyer · « **Reply #27 on:** April 22, 2012, 05:00:43 AM »

I have great news - so far, I'm up to $125 in donations from six donors! So one gross of Streamlines is a done deal and I'm working on my second (and maybe third, with your help)!

I'm working now on printing Post-It notes with people's names on them to stick to the decks when they arrive, so I have them already "dedicated" to the donor whose money paid for them.

Don Boyer · « **Reply #28 on:** April 25, 2012, 03:28:59 AM »

Another donor! Up to $135! Please, kick in!

Remember, for every buck you donate, I will "dedicate" a deck of cards to you (or someone else you choose). This means that I'll write your name (or someone you choose) on a sticky-note, attach it to a pack of cards and when that pack is opened and used for a show, then handed out afterwards, I tell that patient that it was you who bought that deck for them in hopes that they feel better!

Don Boyer · « **Reply #29 on:** April 25, 2012, 03:41:11 PM »

ANOTHER BIG UPDATE!!! IMPORTANT NEWS!!! PLEASE READ!!!

I just got off the phone with Amanda, my coordinator with the Sparks of Life Program at NY Methodist! Big news!

First I'll be getting the tax-exemption paperwork from her tomorrow, as well as a letter to send to Kardwell in hopes that they'll help further our efforts with discounts or additional playing cards.

Second, as of next week, I'll be expanding my work to cover the pediatric emergency room as well! She mentioned there are a lot of sad faces in there that could use the cheering up. (Aw....)

Third, she's also looking at sending me to the adult physical rehabilitation unit - in addition to magical performances, I'd be teaching some basic shuffling and sleight of hand skills to help patients in improving their manual dexterity on the road to recovery!

I'm practically becoming a cottage industry over there! I may need more cards than I thought...so...

...I'M STILL TAKING DONATIONS! THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL!

NathanCanadas · « **Reply #30 on:** April 25, 2012, 03:52:48 PM »

That's awesome news Don! I hope Kardwell will be willing to cooperate! And congrats on the promotion to help others out. Good luck!

Don Boyer · « **Reply #31 on:** April 27, 2012, 06:54:49 PM »

Another donor, this time Kevin Reylek of the Blue Crown! Thank you, Kevin!

I'm over the hump for buying a gross, easily, and getting closer to the second one. Assuming I still go through decks at the current rate, two gross will last about a year.

Don Boyer · « **Reply #32 on:** April 30, 2012, 02:17:09 AM »

I've received more generous cash donations - thank you, one and all. Paul Carpenter of Encarded in particular gets my highest gratitude for making an exceptionally generous donation!

Cash raised: $255!!!

In addition:
I'm expecting a package soon from Alex!

Even more goodness:
DAVEN78 - better known to some of you as Dave of MagicWorld.org or eBay seller king-of-kards - is graciously sending me a supply of Cartamundi decks made for the TV program "Celebrity Poker Showdown"! Take a look for yourself:

http://magicworld.org/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=40

I would also like to shamelessly offer a plug for his shop - he's selling quite a lot of magic and playing cards, including the card collector's Holy Grail, a pack of Jerry's Nuggets with a Lee Asher certificate of authenticity!

So, it looks like I'm over the top in terms of getting two gross of decks - one year's supply! I can't thank everyone enough - but please, DON'T STOP THERE! I'd like to take any extras and make them available to the other volunteers of the hospital. It's not just me performing magic there, and magic isn't the only thing volunteers do. We have volunteers that travel from room to room with books to read, board games to play (and they stay and play them with you, too!), and there's even a movable Nintendo game console on a cart with a video screen (it's a much-older model, but hey, it beats counting ceiling tiles).

Plus, since my tasks at the hospital are well on their way to being expanded, there may be an increased need for my decks, particularly in the physical therapy department, and I may want to leave some behind in chemotherapy as well - those poor patients need anything they can find to keep their minds off the pain their treatment puts them in.

So please, everyone:

Keep Up the Good Work and Keep the Donations Comings - THANKS!

EDIT: ANOTHER DONATION! I'M UP TO $305! A third gross of Streamlines is not beyond reach! Thank you!

Paul Carpenter · « **Reply #33 on:** April 30, 2012, 08:57:02 AM »

Glad to hear this is going well, and you taking time to minister to sick children in that way is a wonderful thing. If a few decks of cards can bring a smile to a young child, that it completely worth the time and money for sure. Kudos to you for your efforts there Don.

Don Boyer · « **Reply #34 on:** May 01, 2012, 03:23:10 AM »

Quote from: xmetal on April 30, 2012, 08:57:02 AM

Glad to hear this is going well, and you taking time to minister to sick children in that way is a wonderful thing. If a few decks of cards can bring a smile to a young child, that it completely worth the time and money for sure. Kudos to you for your efforts there Don.

Thanks, bro. Your donation was totally awesome and gave the whole effort a huge shot in the arm.

John B. · « **Reply #35 on:** May 01, 2012, 06:56:01 PM »

Hey Don, your doing something great up there, keep up the hard work. hope my $10 helps

Don Boyer · « **Reply #36 on:** May 02, 2012, 04:03:22 AM »

Quote from: John B. on May 01, 2012, 06:56:01 PM

Hey Don, your doing something great up there, keep up the hard work. hope my $10 helps

Of course - that's roughly a two-week supply of cards!

Don Boyer · « **Reply #37 on:** May 06, 2012, 02:55:11 AM »

Ladies and gentleman, I'm in the home stretch!

It's Sunday morning, May 6th - when I leave work Monday morning at 7am Eastern time, I'm taking all the generous donations and placing the order with Kardwell!

Last chance to donate and do some good!

LAST CHANCE! Please HELP!

xela · « **Reply #38 on:** May 06, 2012, 03:33:45 AM »

My package is scheduled for shipment on Monday! I'm including your Vortex order in there as well, as well as a gift to you personally. I'll be dividing everything up so you'll know what's for what.

I wish I could be in there at the hospitals with you. I love kids. Unfortunately my magic abilities are about as amazing as yours are if you had been born with no hands. =P

Don Boyer · « **Reply #39 on:** May 06, 2012, 04:08:03 AM »

Quote from: alex. on May 06, 2012, 03:33:45 AM

My package is scheduled for shipment on Monday! I'm including your Vortex order in there as well, as well as a gift to you personally. I'll be dividing everything up so you'll know what's for what.

I wish I could be in there at the hospitals with you. I love kids. Unfortunately my magic abilities are about as amazing as yours are if you had been born with no hands. =P

First, I'm not exactly a top-notch artist! Second, you need no magical talent whatsoever to volunteer. This hospital has volunteers who play board games with the kids - I'm betting some hospital near you has something similar. Reading to them might be another option. Check it out; you might be pleasantly surprised!

PS: Daven78 - your package arrived, and the 56 decks look great! I'm looking forward to giving them a workout!

NathanCanadas · « **Reply #40 on:** May 10, 2012, 12:56:33 AM »

I hope you were successfully able to order your decks, Don. How many did you end up getting in the end?
Also, who's that "Daven78" you are talking about?

Joshua Robinson · « **Reply #41 on:** May 10, 2012, 04:40:00 AM »

Can I still send some cash? or am I too late?

Don Boyer · « **Reply #42 on:** May 11, 2012, 09:38:28 AM »

Quote from: NathanCanadas on May 10, 2012, 12:56:33 AM

I hope you were successfully able to order your decks, Don. How many did you end up getting in the end?
Also, who's that "Daven78" you are talking about?

I haven't yet. Been laid up with a viral infection. Next week. I plan to give them the letter and the tax exempt form and pick up the decks in person.

Daven78 is Dave of magicworld.org - I mentioned him a few posts back.

Quote from: Joshua Robinson on May 10, 2012, 04:40:00 AM

Can I still send some cash? or am I too late?

Go ahead - as you now know, I didn't make the purchase yet. But don't delay.

Don Boyer · « **Reply #43 on:** May 19, 2012, 02:15:24 AM »

I finally get to write the last chapter in this little adventure!

I contacted Kardwell Thursday to inquire about the order. I was told a few things. One, the paperwork I had to purchase on a tax-exempt basis would be insufficient and the order would have to come straight from the hospital anyway, so no tax exemption. Two, shipping would cost less than my fuel costs to and from their warehouse, so no savings there. However, I was also told that if I ordered at that time, I'd have the decks by Friday!

In the end, I was able to use the donations and some of my own cash to purchase 288 decks - two gross! Ideally, this should last close to if not longer than a year. I'm at work right now, and had the packages shipped here - I'm looking at two sizable boxes right now, containing 24 bricks of Streamlines. Interestingly, they're the Canadian version of the deck - the boxes are printed in English and French and have the bar codes near the middle of the back.

I now have the pleasure of taking this stack of sticky-notes I labeled with my donors' names on them and applying them to the decks themselves, so when I hand them out, I can tell the recipient who they're from! I'm going to have some lunch first, though.

Everyone who donated, thank you so very much. I greatly appreciate what you've done, and so will the patients I entertain with your cards at New York Methodist Hospital!

NathanCanadas · « **Reply #44 on:** May 19, 2012, 12:36:02 PM »

I'm glad it all worked out in the end Don! Hope the kids'll have fun!

Don Boyer · « **Reply #45 on:** November 13, 2012, 04:06:16 AM »

I thought I should give you guys an update about this endeavor of mine.

First, thanks again to everyone who contributed.

Second, I received enough cash, as you know, for two gross of Streamlines. They're the cheaply-made Chinese ones from 2009, but they're functional enough to get the job done. If I should do this again, rather than ordering from Kardwell, I'll probably just talk to a WalMart manager about making a large purchase - it would have been just a wee bit cheaper even with the sales tax and I would likely have received the most recently-made Streamlines coming out of Erlanger, KY.

Third, I also received some other decks besides the Streamlines! I've been having a good time showing off these really cool-looking decks, then handing them over to a sometimes-very-surprised kid who just watched me perform with them. Invariably, the children are grateful, no matter what deck of cards I give them, but these are quite special to them because they're usually unlike anything they've seen before. (I just have to be careful about who I give the more adult-ish decks to, like Bicycle Alchemy, Anne Stokes, Karnival Dead Eyes, etc. - no little kids for those!)

Fourth, my overall supply is holding out pretty well. For a while I was splitting my time between physical therapy and pediatrics, but the PT patients were often senior citizens. When I could find someone interested, they really loved my demonstrations, but most of the patients either couldn't be bothered or couldn't stay awake. In September I swapped my time in Physical Therapy for time in the Pediatric Emergency Room - now there, I'm often not at a loss for interested patients. I'm also happy that so far, I've never met a kid in the ER, only to later see him or her again in the Pediatric Unit as well. (I think they have more of a "catch-and-release" program there!)

All in all, in a typical week, I'm going through just over a brick of cards.

That's all with the hospital program in a nutshell. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Joker and the Thief · « **Reply #46 on:** November 13, 2012, 04:36:59 AM »

Quote from: Don Boyer on November 13, 2012, 04:06:16 AM

I thought I should give you guys an update about this endeavor of mine.

First, thanks again to everyone who contributed.

Second, I received enough cash, as you know, for two gross of Streamlines. They're the cheaply-made Chinese ones from 2009, but they're functional enough to get the job done. If I should do this again, rather than ordering from Kardwell, I'll probably just talk to a WalMart manager about making a large purchase - it would have been just a wee bit cheaper even with the sales tax and I would likely have received the most recently-made Streamlines coming out of Erlanger, KY.

Third, I also received some other decks besides the Streamlines! I've been having a good time showing off these really cool-looking decks, then handing them over to a sometimes-very-surprised kid who just watched me perform with them. Invariably, the children are grateful, no matter what deck of cards I give them, but these are quite special to them because they're usually unlike anything they've seen before. (I just have to be careful about who I give the more adult-ish decks to, like Bicycle Alchemy, Anne Stokes, Karnival Dead Eyes, etc. - no little kids for those!)

Fourth, my overall supply is holding out pretty well. For a while I was splitting my time between physical therapy and pediatrics, but the PT patients were often senior citizens. When I could find someone interested, they really loved my demonstrations, but most of the patients either couldn't be bothered or couldn't stay awake. In September I swapped my time in Physical Therapy for time in the Pediatric Emergency Room - now there, I'm often not at a loss for interested patients. I'm also happy that so far, I've never met a kid in the ER, only to later see him or her again in the Pediatric Unit as well. (I think they have more of a "catch-and-release" program there!) All in all, in a typical week, I'm going through just over a brick of cards.

That's all with the hospital program in a nutshell. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Don, I'm extremely proud of you. You are performing real miracles by making those kids smile. You give them strength and courage and amaze them. You give them hope and happiness. I think Don is up for one massive round of applause from all of us here. Am i right? My small token of appreciation to Don, keep going mate!

Don Boyer · « **Reply #47 on:** November 13, 2012, 05:54:59 AM »

Quote from: Joker and the Thief on November 13, 2012, 04:36:59 AM

Don, I'm extremely proud of you. You are performing real miracles by making those kids smile. You give them strength and courage and amaze them. You give them hope and happiness. I think Don is up for one massive round of applause from all of us here. Am i right? My small token of appreciation to Don, keep going mate!

Thanks. The idea, actually, was to share some of that good feeling with the people here by having them contribute to the effort. I was never asked to give out decks of cards to the kids, but I had a gross-and-a-half of old, unused casino decks I wasn't doing anything with, so I started giving them away to the patients. I put out the call here when those were beginning to run out. I still have sticky notes on the Streamlines with the names of the contributors, and I ask the patients to thank them when I give out the deck.