Oh I do want to have the ability to name something. But I sure as hell wouldn't name it after my family. No in honor of crap. I want full naming privileges over whatever it is.
P.S. So far I've only been able to name servers
see that pic of your kids? wouldn't that just be fabulous if all those bricks represented? (j/k)
Ha! The kids and I don't share a name so they'd be screwed
I have no problem with it if a donation to a well-loved cause results in a brick with the donors name on it. My mom is a big advocate of the public library system, and when they were fundraising for the construction of a new library in my hometown, she donated money and had my name and my brother's name put on bricks. I think it was a sweet enough gesture, though I have never felt compelled to take my picture next to said brick.
But the acquisition of engraved bricks as a hobby strikes me as bizarre. There are certainly worse ways to spend money, but I can't imagine future generations getting all that jazzed about the photo op aspect. A National Treasure style treasure hunt does sound fun, though.
My family has several bricks at Lambeau Field, including one with my name on it. I've never once been inspired to look for them even though I've been to at least 25 guys where I was right there. That said, I know buying them made my grandparents happy.
Post by LoveTrains on Sept 17, 2012 20:32:26 GMT -5
Eh, it's doubtful that if she gave a big enough gift for a naming opportunity that it would be changed. Generally if someone gives $100K+ to name something, the university/school/institution respects the wishes of the donors. There is sometimes something in the gift agreement about the naming opportunity, too.
Since your donating to random places for the sole purpose of getting your name on a brick, it pretty much guarantees your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will not care at all and probably find it weird. If you saved your money for a more substantial contribution to a charity you actually care about, it may be different.
My great grandfather donated the land a church was built on. There is a plaque on the church regarding it. I found this out only when I saw it at my grandmothers funeral. I lived 10miles from said church for 15yrs & my grandparents lived there/were members forever & never said a word to us kids about it (my mom may have known but also never said a word). I consider that a class act thing to do. Donation IMO should not be about personal pride or recognition if possible. It's one thing to have someone recognize you, it's another to do something "charitable" soley for recognition.
My whole profession is all the more exciting due to the thrill of regularly seeing my name in print. I have argued the point in contracts about where my name will appear, so I can understand how seeing your name on a brick or elsewhere might be equally gratifying.
I bought each of my boys on a boardwalk that we go to a lot in the summer when they were doing a fundraiser to replace all the old wood with Trex. They're little, but when we walk on the boardwalk, each of them likes seeing "their" board there. I don't have them all over the place, but I like having something representing each of my boys at a place we really enjoy spending time.
Eh, it's doubtful that if she gave a big enough gift for a naming opportunity that it would be changed. Generally if someone gives $100K+ to name something, the university/school/institution respects the wishes of the donors. There is sometimes something in the gift agreement about the naming opportunity, too.
And this is how my undergrad's dining hall got changed to the Hiden Hussey dining facility. :-( They had to nickname it b/c who wants to call it that for real?
Post by heyrebekah on Sept 18, 2012 8:11:28 GMT -5
I don't know if showy is the right word, it's just an odd priority. I did think it was nice to see my grandpas's name at the church he donated to. But he didn't donate so future generations could go to the church and see his name, he donated so future generations could go to the church, period.
Bricks - eh, not easy to read, evnetually get worn down, etc (I know, I have my name on 2 bricks on my alma mater).
Benches - this I understand more. I was actually walking down the boardwalk in OC, MD one day a year ago or so. Most of those benches have memorial plaques on them.
I randmonly glanced at one and saw the name of an old coworker of mine who had passed just a few months earlier. Her family bought the plaque in her memory and I thought it was sweet - I (random person walking down the boardwalk) noticed it and it made me think of her for a few moments.
Post by midwest07 on Sept 18, 2012 12:45:43 GMT -5
I am surprised the OP has had this many opportunities to buy bricks and have her name etched in glass. I donate to a fair number of causes, and have only once had the opportunity to purchase a brick, which would have been on the ground. I did not do it.
It makes me think you are seeking out brick and glass opportunities and not just those that are meaningful to you.
I agree with the others who have suggested to save your money and make one larger donation to a very meaningful cause, for a bench or even for something that no one would know about. I also think it's more special to put someone else's name on the item in honor of them, rather than your own.
Couldn't you just go around writing your name in random wet cement patches?
Very MM!
My maiden name is the same as a very infamous former mayor of Boston. There are several schools and bars named after him in the city. I just ride the coattails and pretend we're related, lol.
They should have named the Liberty Hotel after your famous relative