Roll Save vs. Stupid: CRITICAL FAIL

Big thanks to RB for today's rant. I suppose he was tired of my blathering on and on about needing money to go to Tennessee in February. So, he sent me this. Don't worry about the comic part...scroll down.

It would appear that Christian Children's Fund failed their saving throw versus stupid. Gary Gygax, creator of the popular role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons, actively supported CCF while he was alive. Sadly, Mr. Gygax passed away this past year. He was very vocal about charities and supporting the causes of hunger and homelessness.

Brilliantly, GenCon decided to hold an auction of some memorabilia and donate 100% of the proceeds to Gygax's favorite charity. The total was $17, 398--that's seventeen thousand dollars. That's what average Americans spend on cars. This was to be a gift to the Christian Children's Fund.

They declined to accept the gift.

Christian Children’s Fund made the decision to decline the gift from Gen Con, LLC as the request presented to us gave the appearance that CCF (the organization) was an endorser or supporter of a gaming convention, which CCF was not. As many non-profit organizations, CCF is selective in its endorsements or support in order to maintain the integrity of its name and logo. We cannot lend our name to an event for which we have no involvement. This decision should in no way be interpreted as CCF holding an opinion on Mr. Gygax, gaming enthusiasts or the game Dungeons and Dragons.

WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT!?!

I want to just say that I agree with the author of this blog, who thinks the wording probably requested a logo from the charity and to be an official sponsor of the auction. I also agree with the author of that blog when he says, "To decline the entire gift is more than a little weird."

Yeah. See, I'm sitting here at 30, remembering back to my Jr. Church days. Dungeons & Dragons was evil and vile! How dare you pretend you're a Paladin out to seek Divine Protection and Intervention to fight off the demons! Because, you know, no Christians would -ever- do that. They would -never- seek Divine protection to fight demons.

Whateve.

I'm a proud Christian and a proud half elven rogue--or gnomish bard. I'll make sure to witness to you and stab you with my SNEAK ATTACK!!!!

So.

Instead of getting upset (like the rest of us did), GenCon decided to find another charity that would appreciate a $17K donation: Fisher House Foundation. Order of the Stick's creator, Rich Burlew, wrote a great news story on this issue. He was a lot more kind than myself and other gamers like me. Kudos to Rich. But, he suggested e-mailing CCF and letting them know how you feel about this situation. The fact that a CHARITY chose to REJECT the generous donations of people because they play Dungeons & Dragons.

Because, that's what it comes down to. The children starving all over the world don't really care from where the money comes that will keep them fed. They don't even know from where it comes! The only people that care is the charity organization.

But, don't despair! There are several other charities that will gladly take your money. Burlew recommends Plan USA, and of course, GenCon chose Fisher House Foundation.

You're a charity. The old adage is very true: Beggars Can't Be Choosers.