You've probably noticed the rapid adoption of social media in Chattanooga and the great community that has developed around services like Facebook and Twitter. What's more exciting is how many of these connected Chattanoogans are talking about ways to help the community at large.
So we asked ourselves (and our friend Adrienne Royer): How can the local social media community can make a difference? And can we do something great together without requiring a big commitment from each individual? We hope to prove that the answer to both questions is yes.
So, Chattarati is excited to announce First Friday Five, a new online local giving project. The concept is simple: organizing one-day online fundraisers for local nonprofit organizations.
With your help, First Friday Five will:
- take place on the first Friday of every month
- use social media to ask for $5 donations
- benefit local non-profits and go towards specific goals
The first participant is Girls Inc. of Chattanooga. Their goal is to raise $300 so they can provide scholarships for three at-risk or low-income girls to attend their Discovery Girls Science Camp. At $5 per donation, they only need 60 contributors to reach their goal. We're confident that the online community in Chattanooga can rise to the challenge, aren't you? Stay tuned— on Friday, we'll share more on why their goal is good for the community and tell you how to donate directly to Girls Inc.
John Hawbaker
Jon Moss on Feb. 4, 2009
I applaud the development of this project, and look forward to hearing more.
Garrett B on Feb. 4, 2009
I'm for it!
So is Chattarati going to become a Foundation for collecting and distributing donations to charities?
Adrienne Royer on Feb. 4, 2009
Girls Inc. is thrilled to be a part of this. Thanks to Chattarati for setting it up. We're honored to be the first participants.
Not only do we want to be able to send more low-income girls to our science camp over spring break, but we want to show Chattanooga how much money can be raised online locally!
A big thank you to everyone involved in setting it up and early thanks to everyone who plans on donating.
Robert T. Nash on Feb. 4, 2009
Yawn...
dava on Feb. 4, 2009
This is a great idea. Thanks for making it easy to participate.
ShantiF on Feb. 4, 2009
This is a great idea! I would love to be a part of something, to learn about how I can help local nonprofits, and see positive things happening in our community.
Partnership for Families, Chil on Feb. 4, 2009
Good luck to Girls, Inc. This is great!
Stephen42 on Feb. 4, 2009
Social generosity isn't dead but it is rare in this day & time. Props to Chattarati for setting the local standard. Hopefully collections will surpass any goals and this movement will gain momentum.
How will donations be accepted. Paypal? Drop off points seem kind of off track being the whole social media model.
Robert T. Nash on Feb. 4, 2009
So Girls, Inc. needs $300, to send some po' downtrodden hizzood types to camp, do they? FACT: Bea Lurie heads Girls, Inc. FACT: She is married to David Eichenthal, head of the Ochs Center For Metropolitan Studies, an organization you Chattarati types seem to fawn over at every possible opportunity. OPINION: Given that the best indicator of what you REALLY value is where you spend your time and money, you need only click the active link for (in the inimitable words of Paul Harvey) The Rest of The Story:
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_101718.asp
Now who wants to make a run at putting all this in perspective?
Bea Lurie on Feb. 4, 2009
We are so delighted to be the first non-profit to take part in an online giving project!! Our spring break Discovery Girls camp will be a wonderful opportunity for a diverse cross-section of Hamilton County girls to enjoy a hands-on science-based camp. Each day will have a different focus including astronomy, engineering and earth science. The girls will get to spend a day at the brand new TellUs Science Museum in Georgia.
So donate, donate, donate. If you are interested in volunteering with Girls Inc., please call Awayne Williams at 624-4757.
Thanks to all!!
John Hawbaker on Feb. 4, 2009
A question has been raised as to whether the comment posted under Bea Lurie's name was actually written by her. So, we have removed it for the time being.
Thanks to (almost) everyone for the enthusiasm.
Garrett, to your question: no. We're organizing and promoting, but no money will touch our hands, digitally or otherwise. Girls Inc. Has their own PayPal account which we'll link to. Most groups these days are set up fir online donations so this should work going forward, assuming the community embraces the concept.
RAZBDY on Feb. 5, 2009
Response to #10
OK, I'll give it a try. First, you don't live in Fortwood so, according to the logic you use on your show, it's none of your business. It's a local issue. Citizens, taxpayers and property owners have a right to set standards for their neighborhoods. I don't think those students are property owners are they, at least not in Fortwood.
Second, I know that you're fond of critisizing nonprofits in general and foundations in particular. Some of your complaints are valid, but have you ever done ANYTHING to improve your community besides whining and complaining every day?
David Morton on Feb. 5, 2009
RTN, there are some choice quotes in that article. Thanks for passing it along. Winner:
"She said there was loud cursing at all hours, sex in the yard, smoking of marijuana, and boys and girls alike using the bathroom in the yard."
(Sounds like a hella good time to me.)
I've been out of the loop for the last 2 weeks, so I had nothing to do with the First Friday Five project, but I'm pretty excited about the idea. I think it's a great opportunity for regular citizens like me to connect with worthy causes, and help improve our communities.
Robert T. Nash on Feb. 5, 2009
"A" for effort, "D" for demonstration of conceptual understanding and applied knowledge.* As for my not living in Fortwood, you got me there. Perhaps ol' David and Bea took no note of the university (in general) and the frats and sororitys (in particular) when they breezed in from NYC to do whatever he ostensibly did for (then) Mayor Bob Corker. FYI - They first bought in Ridgeside, which, if you didn't know, is NOT in the City of Chattanoga, despite being surrounded by same. Word is they got a "strong suggestion" to move to the city proper, what with Mr. Eichenthal benefiting considerably from his high-payin' taxpayer funded position workin' for Bob The Builder - oops, I mean The City of Chattanooga - and all. NOTE: The Eichenthals first came to my attention via a tradesman who did work on their stately Fortwood Manor. He had some great stories, so much so I took notes. In any case Mr. Eichenthal's public testimony before the planning commission played a role in the resultant spot-zoning that kept the AFRICAN-AMERICAN sorority from BUYING the next door property at issue, which, by extension, kept those loud and wild (BLACK FEMALE) college kids at bay. Ironic, huh? I think it's also worth noting the seller lost out, along with two Realtors. Of course, we all know Mr. Eichenthal now works for The Ochs Center, and I'll have much more on that front very soon. In closing, please know it's my sincere belief I do my best work in my ever-evolving role as a Road Agent for The Lords of Karma. I also vote, pay my taxes - in full and on time - and donate a little time and some money to various causes and organizations whose good works I truly believe in. I even booked Bea Lurie On Air for her debut as head of Girls, Inc. Thanks for asking. Take care.
Robert T. Nash
Citizen - Taxpayer - Property Owner
* In My Opinion
Robert T. Nash on Feb. 5, 2009
CLOSED CIRCUIT TRANSMISSION TO DAVID MORTON:
A friendly note to say "Welcome Back". Your post came in while I was composing my reponse to the query from RAZBDY. You'll likely realize that fact, what with having walking around sense and all, but I figured I'd make it explicit for those who are lacking in reading comprehension skills and or a frame of chronological reference. As for the party referenced in the piece on chattanoogan.com, it does indeed sound like we missed a good one.
With that out of the way, I'd like everyone reading this to know I captured the full text of the now-disputed "Bea Lurie" post that went up here late yesterday afternoon. I'll make it available to anyone who asks for it via email. I even know who really authored it. HINT: It wasn't me. Take care.
David Morton on Feb. 5, 2009
I have it from a very reliable source that the "disputed" Bea Lurie comment is the real deal. And given that there is nothing particularly damning in the comment, I trust that it's ok to put back up even if it is fake.
In the very, very unlikely event that this comment is a fake, the real Bea Lurie can contact me through a variety of individuals.
Are we really worried about a harmless thank you note? Have our lives come to this? In the words of Jack Black (High Fidelity), "I never thought I would say this, but can I get back to work, now?"
daddyo on Feb. 5, 2009
signal-to-noise ratio becoming unbearable. signing off.
Robert T. Nash on Feb. 5, 2009
"A man's got to know his limitations..." - Harold Francis "Dirty Harry" Callahan
RAZBDY on Feb. 7, 2009
What diference does it make what color the members of the sorority were RTN? Are you trying to imply Mr. Eichenthal is racist? No pun intended, but it sounds like it's the pot calling the kettle black.
Robert T. Nash on Feb. 8, 2009
Thanks for reading...
danielle on Feb. 14, 2009
Considering the fact that it has been a week since the conclusion of the banter above, I doubt if anyone will read, or even care about, my comment. But I just can't help myself...
As I was getting ready to attempt my "run at putting this all in perspective" I found myself confused. Let me get this straight, the head of Girls Inc. wanted to "send some po’ downtrodden hizzood types to camp" but has somewhat discredited herself by being married to (and living with) a man who "played a role in the resultant spot-zoning that kept the AFRICAN-AMERICAN sorority from BUYING the next door property at issue, which, by extension, kept those loud and wild (BLACK FEMALE) college kids at bay." But the cited chattanoogan.com article states that the Kappa Delta Sorority was denied a permit for the house in Fort Wood. Kappa Delta Sorority is not an African-American sorority. Hmmm. Forgive me,(perhaps I am one of "those who are lacking in reading comprehension skills and or a frame of chronological reference") but I could use some help on this. RTN - would you mind demonstrating your conceptual understanding and applied knowledge and put this into perspective?
Robert T. Nash on Feb. 14, 2009
Dear Ms. Danielle,
Thanks for the close read. I did not realize the sorority in question limits membership to Caucasians. It would seem I was so eager to make my case for the seeming irony of a local good cause for po' downtrodden types headed by a well-heeled female from NYC trolling for cash on the Internet as she goes home each night to her swell domicile to rest her weary do-goodin' head relentlessly apparent that I let my zeal run away with me. I may have also been relying on my memory of a similar spot-zoning case, cleary to my detriment. I regret the error, and I'm happy to set The Record straight.
Respectfully Yours,
Robert T. Nash
RAZBDY on Feb. 15, 2009
OMG, RTN rushes to judgement without checking out all the facts first? We call that "just another day" down at the WGOW ranch. No wonder so many people don't return his calls.
Robert T. Nash on Feb. 16, 2009
RAZBDY,
Rather than seek to disabuse you of your opinion - to which you are entitled, such as it is - I'll throw you some Current Events chum: Why don't you favour us with your thoughts on Joe Prebul and his seeming downfall? After all, you're the self-styled anonymous Internet revealer of hidden personal and professional motivations, and it's not like you have to be concerned with any real blowback. Or so you think. You know he's Jewish, right? That has seemingly been important to you in past matters covered here. Remember, all have sinned and come short of The Glory of The Magic Honky In The Sky.
Patiently Yours,
Robert T. Nash
RAZBDY on Feb. 17, 2009
I don't need to blast my opinions over the airwaves the feed an oversized ego in an undersized body. I'm just pointing out your racist tendancies. BTW, I never heard your explanation as to why you assigned David Eichenthal the middle name "Mordechai" when it's not his middle name.
Robert T. Nash on Feb. 17, 2009
This is about the Internet, not broadcast radio, my precious little "anonymous" Web 'Tard. In any case, my five-foot ten-inch tall 220 pound self would like you and everybody else to know I call him "Mordechai" because it rhymes with "pastrami on rye"...Now let's hear your basis/explanation/rationale for the self-proclaimed status of The Red Sea Pedestrians as "God's Chosen People".
stevaker on Feb. 17, 2009
RTN,
Any good talk radio host knows that Ancient Israel was God's chosen people—selected not for special favors, but for a special purpose preparatory to the ultimate establishment of the Kingdom of God. Plus, they happened to be present and a sufficient audience for God's "parting of the Red Sea" parlor trick.
Steve Hamaker
Christian Caustic
Robert T. Nash on Feb. 17, 2009
Dear Steve,
I think the notion of any people being put in a favoured position over others is contrary to the whole notion of Christianity.
Robert T. Nash
Great Talk Radio Host
Faye on March 1, 2009
After reading through lots of nasty, irrelevant and tangential comments, I have to ask: was the original objective met? Was the effort successful? Was the goal achieved? Will this be an ongoing event?
Thanks for the great idea. What a shame it has been twisted into such an unnecessarily controversial issue. If you like the idea and support the organization, then give. If you don’t, pass. Why is it necessary to be adversarial?
Faye on March 1, 2009
I just found the answers to my first questions. Congratulations on making such an impact in the community in a unique way.
My last question still stands.