Some Facts and Pictures

In my earlier post, I explained the situation with regards to why we were holding a raffle and I would like to clarify a couple of things.

As stated before, we were unsure if the insurance was going to pick up the tab for the ultrasound. I made it very clear that the cost could very well be covered, no big deal. And in that event, where the raffle money would go. Since my post I have been bombarded (personally and through email or blog comments) about how the military insurance works and questions as to why it may not be covered. Instead of answering everyone with the same answers, I'm going to post it here.


I do not know the specifics of their private insurance and don't feel that it is any of my business, so I don't ask. I was simply told by Kelly that she was considering using her birthday money to pay for the ultrasound if insurance didn't cover it. As with many different insurances, there are many different types of the TriCare (<--click that word for a better explanation than I can give) options that can cover them. Being that Josh does what he does and in the branch of the military that he is, and the type of insurance that they chose, this situation is not unusual and is just one of the confusing conundrums that is medical coverage. I simply thought that holding a raffle would be fun as well as pay for the testing. Plain and simple. I would have held a raffle anyways to purchase the cloth diapers ( as also previously stated ) but I didn't feel that not disclosing the full use possibilities of the funds was right or fair to those who contributed. Never was the intention to acquire funds through "shady" means or methods. This is for good fun, nothing more.


I also feel very strongly that no matter what the insurance or financial situations are, it's none of my business. I'm doing this for a friend, to have fun and have a "different" way to celebrate the coming of their child. No one said that they couldn't afford these things, but I am doing this as a gift to someone that I care deeply for and, due to distance and circumstance, haven't seen in roughly 4 years. Please do not take offence to this, it's simply a broad spectrum answer to many questions that I have been asked.


ON A LIGHTER NOTE!!!!


I've been crafting...yes, the cards are made. (Well the first batch anyways!) I made more than ten, so I'm not exactly sure which ones will be in the lot but I wanted to post some pictures of them. We really need to get on the ball with raising money (we're at $2). So, here's your potential prize!

UPDATE!

IT'S OFFICIAL!

I hold, in my hand, the first contribution (at least to me) to the raffle! A generous donation made by Miss Keri O and her son Toby! Thanks guys! And so it begins, who wants the cards? And how bad do you want them.......?

One for all, and all for KELLY!

I know it's been awhile since my last post and I do apologize for my absent tendencies. But now that I'm back we have a serious topic to discuss, and you have the opportunity to win a prize!

Some of you may know (through my blabbing or you've been directed here by a letter/email you have recieved) about my good friend Kelly D. Kelly and her hubby Josh found out a few months ago that they are expecting a new member of their family. Baby D is due to arrive July 23, 2009 .

This in mind, family and friends are all very excited to find out if it's going to be a girl or boy. Some people like the element of surprise, others~ not so much. The second is the standings of Kelly and Josh. Unlike a lot of insurance carriers though, their insurance may not cover the 20 week ultra-sound where the sex of the baby is usually discovered.

Here's where you and prizes come into play!

After sleepless nights and late night telephone coversations, I offered up to Kelly to hold a raffle to raise money for the ultra-sound. After much back and forth-ing, here's what we've come up with.

Kelly, her mom, and I are each going to hand make blank stationary cards. You can use them for birthday wishes, get well soon, thanks or just because. It's your choice. These cards are going to be bundled in sets of 10. There will be three bundles and thus three chances to win. The raffle is starting immediately and will go through March 18th. It's a short time frame but I think we can do some real good here! Each entry will cost $1. So for each dollar you contribute, your name will go into the "hat" once. At the end of the time, Lily will draw 3 names out of the hat and those people will win one set of stationary.

Kelly and I both feel that it's VERY important that people know where their money is going in a situation like this. Here's the break down: As I mentioned before, the insurance coverage is still somewhat up in the air, depending on other routine tests and their results. I want to stress that any and all monies contributed to this fund will go to baby D, no matter what. If the ultra-sound is covered by insurance, OR we raise more money than necessary, additional funds will go to the CLOTH DIAPER FUND! That's right, sensitive bottoms and landfills everywhere unite in a single joyful noise, BABY D WON'T BE CONTRIBUTING TO THE MESS! (Well, not in disposable diapers anyways!) What many people don't realize is that for the immediate cost of roughly 30 adjustable diapers, baby D will never need a disposable pant. The up front cost of these "bootie barriers" however, is staggering. But long term, they pay for themselves in roughly three months and that includes the cleaning and sanitizing costs. So this option also assists in saving mom and dad as well!

In an attempt to keep this from getting too boring, I'm going to finish this post by inviting you to the contest and see what you can win! If you are interested, feel free to contact me about contributions and buy-ins for this project. If you are visiting my blog via Kelly and Josh, WELCOME, and feel free to contact me or the D's. Contributions are accepted to either party. You can reach me at: WhatWillBabyDBe@aol.com (that's right, I have set up a private email address just for this project!)

ALSO~ please follow the progress of this contest via blog post and photos here! Feel free to pass on this site, to friends and family. (even if you don't know Kelly and Josh, it's a great cause and cool prizes, even my friend who works at the local grocery store wants to buy in! She's my checker and a sweet heart!)

**REMEMBER, ALL IT TAKES IS A DOLLAR!**