B3 Finances, or where did my money go?

Thank you to everyone who gave money to help pull off the Browncoat Backup Bash! The organizers feel it would be most appropriate for us to let you guys know where all that money went so here’s the breakdown of all the expenses and the funds that were received:

Expense Amount
Game show costs ($48.93)
Supplies - wristbands, name tags, notepads, etc ($151.90)
Food and drink for guests and staff ($353.90)
Hotel for guests ($343.90)
Buses ($4,807.86)
Tips ($500.00)
Walkie talkies ($90.00)
Hall rental ($2,494.00)
Projector ($600.00)
Flowers ($45.83)
Paypal fees ($137.47)
Total Expenses ($9,573.79)

Funds source Amount
Cash $1355.00
Checks $150.00
Poster donations $260.00
Paypal $6408.79
Corporate sponsorship $1400.00
Total Funds $9573.79

Total funds $9573.79
Total expenses ($9,573.79)
Net $0.00

One note to add regarding the goody bags, beyond the cost of the bags themselves, no costs were incurred by the California Browncoats. All items in the bags were donated by attendees or vendors! Much thanks to all of those donors!

After paying all the expenses we found that we had $45.83 left. We know that we said all excess money would be sent to Equality Now, but it was agreed among the organizers that such a small amount was a rather paltry sum to be made as a donation. We also felt that Clare Kramer was owed some measure of thanks for her extreme generosity. So we used that money (plus a donation by Denise of Wash-o-Saurus fame) to purchase some flowers which we delivered to her restaurant this past Saturday night. We also gave her some business as we sat, ate, drank and reminisced (in the roped off area like the celebrities we are *grin*).

That said, we do really want to do something special for Equality Now and are planning some wonderful eBay auctions to benefit them in the name of the B3. Watch this site for updates on what and when. If you have anything really cool you want to donate for the cause that we can auction off please contact the California Browncoats at CaliforniaBrowncoats@yahoo.com

My measly words of thanks are not nearly enough to express how grateful we all are that everyone pulled together to make this happen! As you can see by the expenses incurred this was not an inexpensive endeavor. I’m humbled that so many people, many of whom weren’t even attending B3, stepped up and donated so much money simply to help their fellow Browncoats in their time of need. By the same token I think under $10,000 for almost 400 people to party the weekend away is pretty darn good! Thank you again and again and again!!!!

Lynn

Thanks for the update. It is fascinating to see what everything cost and I too am amazed that you were able to pull it off. But then, it couldn't have been done if you all hadn't worked for free. Thank you.

Wow! Thank you, again, for everything you did for us!

How shiny is that??? So much for it all!

(On a side note, wanted to let folks know that all the expenses for their gratis photo op prints at B3 were donated by Kandi "Snoepje" Long of Big Damn Chefs. Thank you, Kandi!)

It's fitting that just over a month ago we were still basking in the affect effects of B3. I know many of us that were just attendees have thanked the B3 organizers, but sometimes gratitude doesn't need to stop with a thank-you. But I'll say it again anyway...

THANK-YOU!!!

If you know someone who donated money, maybe you only know their username and have no idea where they live or who they are - please pass on to them a sincere thanks on behalf of everyone of us who had the honor and privilege to have experienced B3. Those of you visiting this board can also attest to the impact the entire weekend had on each of us. My respect for the organizers has only increased by continuing to demonstrate their integrity by sharing the financial information. You know who you are, you know how much you gave and for a moment simply take pride in yourself for making such a positive impact on so many people.





Okay that's enough...just a moment, not too long, it isn't like you cured cancer or managed to bring Firefly back to television or anything like that. Now is the perfect time to play some Bedlam Bards music as you go to all the photo links from the weekend. Thanks for the memories!

Hey Lynn, I wish you were my accountant!

Thanks for the breakdown (although we totally trusted you guys and didn't really need to see where everything went) it was nice to know- especially in the light of the strange disappearrance of our Flanvention II payments....

I'm also glad to see that you guys aren't in the hole personally. 10 grand is a lot to be owing people or businesses! Also, there have been some more slaes this month on the B3 section of the Firefly Cargo Bay. Not nearly the amounts that you had posted there (don't we wish!!) but still, some support will continue to come from that source as well.

I'll say one thing for us Browncoats- we sure know how to raise money for stuff

Wow, I'm really glad to hear this as I was worried you guys did not have enough money to cover expenses.

Now for a question: it looks like I'll be getting my Flan money back *crosses fingers for a few more days* and I had such a great time at B3 and happen to be in a position to pass it along as a thank you.

So, are you still taking donations to some CA Browncoat B3 account, would you prefer participation in the charity auctions, or just a donation to a charity in the name of the CA Browncoats? (I apologize if this has been addressed elsewhere, but I don't get over here as much as I should).

Thanks, and thanks again for such a fun weekend at B3!

Great!

It is so good to know that none of you awesome people are out financially after giving so much of your time and energy for us.

I was listening to the B3 podcast from sendingawave just yesterday and the part where Wendy interviewed you guys Sunday night brought the good feelings back.

Cheers

You mean us? The organizers? She interviewed us, but I never heard it on the podcast. Maybe they've edited it?

Actually, I think all 3 are good choices. It just depends on what you feel is the best way to donate your money. If you send it to us, we will use it to fund future fundraisers and fan tables, and if we already have enough funds it will be donated to charity. If you bid on one of our charity auctions, you will get something cool in return along with donating. And sending the money to a charity (in this case we suggest Equality Now) is always a great thing to do.

If you (or anyone) wants to donate to the California Browncoats, there is a Paypal button here. The info on this page is old (Comic-Con 06 fundraiser), but the button still works. I'll have a new button put on the site for general donations soon.

If you want to bid on our charity auctions, bookmark our seller account here. We are going to try and get a few items up in the next week to benefit EN.

And you can make donations to Equality Now here. As a backup (heh) you can choose instead to donate to Adam Baldwin's charity of choice MCLEF. We have some auctions to run for this charity also.

Thank you!
James

I heard it sometime around Christmas. So it was there, have no idea if they edited it since.

James

It is on Show #10 at about 42:30

Sending a wave

Silly Adam - listen to the NEXT episode - they play the thing almost in its entirety.

As to what to do with your Flan refund (for those lucky enough to have one, and in a place to donate it) we ARE going to have the charity auctions for Equality Now, so you could keep your eyes open for something you may want there. Or you could donate it directly to Equality Now.

However, you've inspired me - I'm gonna go work on a list of charities that have a connection to B3. I'll start it's own thread thingy for it so others can suggest things as well. Look for it in the links section!

I posted this on Whedonesque, thought you all should see it too:

Lynn mentioned a story last night that really has no words to express the awesomeness. I don't want to take away any of the kudos for those who donated from around the world, I want to add a story about the amazing spirit and resilience of those attending B3.

Sometime during the weekend of B3, one of the attendees wanted to donate but didn't have access to a computer. They asked if they could use one of the Browncoat's laptops in the lobby. They then proceeded to log into Paypal and place a donation.

In the amount of $500.

Incredible. Inspiring.

James