Re: [Harp-L] Update on Harrison Harmonica/SPAH Scholarship Fund

[David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Well, if it does pick up steam, and I don't know how you'd find this out, but you'd need to figure out who got refunded by their credit card companies or Paypal buyer protection and donate to the ones who are still out money. I'm sure some folks never got around to requesting a refund from their credit card company, and those who haven't probably should - if you're reading this and haven't, you should consider it - but the number who did would be significant.
 
But the SPAH scholarship thing is a good idea. There is a reason why the median age at SPAH is 60 something. Nobody else can afford it. I've got three mouths to feed and I can't. I don't know many kids who have a grand or two to drop on a trip to SPAH. This dynamic is why I think regional and state-level events are so important. I think the Huntington Harmonica Club has come up with some ideas that are very much needed in the harmonica world today. Their concept of Harmonicollege was brilliant and affordable. 

David Payne
www.elkriverharmonicas.com

   
________________________________
 From: Bob Cohen <bob@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx L" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 11:08 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Update on Harrison Harmonica/SPAH Scholarship Fund


Two generous souls offered to contribute money, no one who lost money stepped up, and no one responded to my idea on the list. I guess that effectively ends future complaints about Harrison Harmonicas.

Truly the biggest loss was the hope we all had for the success of an innovative harmonica company. The road to the American Dream is littered with failed promises, bankrupt companies, and disappointed customers. Kwan seum bosal to all those involved.

I REALLY like the idea of developing an "Undiscovered Talent" SPAH scholarship fund to bring an unknown harmonica player to the convention. It wouldn't take a lot of money. $200 and change for registration/membership, $75/day for food, $100 a night for hotel, and $300 to to $500-ish for airfare. That adds up to somewhere between $1200 - $1500. That's a relatively cheap date. If there's interest, I'll set up a crowd funding proposal and gather a committee, one of whom can be a rep from SPAH.

There are so many undiscovered talents. How cool would it be to introduce them to SPAH? And what a great way to get some interest in both the organization and harp-l. Perhaps, SPAH would be willing to offer a performance slot to the recipient?

Cheers,

Bob Cohen
Writer, Internet Consultant, Teacher
w: bobjcohen.com
t: #itsabobworld