I'll be posting news and updates regarding the Daniel Fund on this page.
Last Update: 04/04/2005
Total Contributions: $1,266.05
Matching Funds : $1,266.05
Fund Total to Date: $2,532.10
4/4/05: A few late donations have added to our already-impressive total. Thanks again, everyone!
2/28/05: As of today, the Daniel Fund is closed. Thanks to some last-minute donations, we've pushed the total up to well over TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS!
I visited Brent yesterday and got to see his whole family doting over young Daniel. Just over a year old, he's rambling around with a big grin on his face, laughing and waving his arms as if imitating his dad conducting one of the local school orchestras. As soon as Brent finishes up the grueling rehearsal schedule he's in, we should be getting a recent picture of the lad; I'll post that as soon as it's available.
We're overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity that you folks have shown over the past year. It means a lot to know that there are so many warm, caring folks willing to lend a hand to a perfect stranger. We had donations from about 40 separate people, and every single one of you deserves a big pat on the back--you've really made a difference in Brent and Daniel's lives. Thank you.
1/26/05: I'm happy to report that both Brent and Daniel are doing well. Of course, the proud papa hasn't been able to game with us quite as often as he'd like, but we've assured him that his priorities are in the right place--family (particularly those who can't yet feed or clothe themselves) comes first!
In just a few days, Daniel Pearson will be one year old, which means that this fund is also reaching the one-year point. As you can see by the total above, it's been a wonderful year for the Daniel Fund, and we thank each and every one of you who sent donations, gifts, and warm thoughts.
Now, though, I think it's time to focus not on the tragedy of the past, but on the good times yet ahead for Brent and Daniel. Therefore, I'll be closing down the Daniel Fund at the end of February. That doesn't mean that latecomers can't still contribute toward young Daniel's upbringing (see here for details), but it means that we won't be actively soliciting further contributions.
That said, I'd love to push us up over the $2000 mark. I figure that'll take only another $164 or so from y'all (thanks to the matching funds from our household). So if you're one of those wait-until-the-last-minute types, now's your chance to make a difference in the life of a tiny gamer-to-be, and the best darn gamer dad you could find.
5/2/04: I can't begin to describe Brent's gratitude to everyone who has contributed their support to his family. When I presented him with the first batch of checks on Sunday, he was absolutely floored. It makes me darn proud that the folks visiting this site--most of whom are total strangers to me, not to mention to Brent--are possessed of such generosity.
In
addition to the donations via check and PayPal, the Daniel Fund received a box
last week from The Gamer's Bag in Waxahachie, Texas. Inside were dozens
of baby outfits for young Daniel, plus a baby-blue embroidered dice bag for the
tiny gamer-to-be. If you're ever anywhere near Waxahachie, Texas, say thanks for
us, will you? (Right) The proud papa shows off his son's first gaming
accessory.
5/1/04: In an continuing effort to reward the generosity of my readers, the month of May will feature a new Daniel Fund Giveaway. Each individual who contributes at least $20.00 during the month of May will be entered into a raffle to win the opportunity for me to develop your very own D&D prestige class which will then be posted on andycollins.net as open content. If you've been searching in vain for that perfect combination of class features, this may be your big chance! So haul out those checkbooks and PayPal accounts, because an offer like this doesn't come around every day!
4/30/04:
The first round of Daniel Fund Giveaways has concluded. We had a tie
for first place in "total donations" between Dylan R.E. Moonfire and
Jonathan DeVries, so each of these generous individuals will soon be
receiving a copy of Unearthed Arcana, autographed by just about everyone
who contributed to the book. The winner of our "Jarvis Osburn Raffle," and the
proud new owner of a Dennis Worrell one-of-a-kind miniature, is Harry
Kaiserian. Thanks again to everyone who contributed during the months of
February, March, and April!