I'm going back and forth on fruit/chocolate basket. It's easy to grab a cookie, brownie, or pastry and nibble, but with fruit (especially in the winter) it can go bad fast or take prep time for pineapples... i'm just not sure. I see both DTN's point as well as Bliza's, but I think chocolate makes people happy not sad (chocolate releases serotonin). - Wiki Proof

Not familiar with Vermont Teddy Bears; I've heard of them but that's all. $80 for a bear (+ $15 for shipping +tax)? If people would like me to send one, let me know. I will do what the members want me to do. I was trying to find some sort of gift or figurine to send, maybe the angel bear would work. What do you guys think?

 

It releases serotonin, then when the chocolate wears off, the person is left with less serotonin then they started with. That's what I've heard.

 

i've sent my support and my condolences once again

 

I think the bear would be a very good idea if he wouldnt prefer donations. And Im also not sure on fruit or candy. I think I would prefer the chocolate basket if I ever had to go through the same thing. Good to see we are getting so many donations together. I think he will be very touched.

 

Donation sent. Sincere condolences

 

Donation sent, hope all of the donations help, I will pray for him and his family. Real name: Brandon Schiff

 

Donation sent.

I'm sorry for your loss. I know how bad I felt when a friend of mine died that young. I can't even imagine how it would be to lose a family member though. You and your family are in my prayers.

 

I wasn't going to list everybody's donation since some were unable to donate as much as others due to their own situations, but I couldn't believe it when I read my e-mail and saw that Mad_John donated $100. (i checked with John and it wasn't a typo)

thanks John, I know Chris and all the members here appreciate your contribution.

 

How much we looking at so far?

And that is great, MJ. I know I would have loved to donate more but its just not the best time. Im sure everyone wishes they could give more. This site never stops amazing me how we can pull together for our members.

 

We have $300 now...

the gift basket I was looking at sending can be anywhere from $79 - $139 depending on how big we want it to be. The plant was looking at $79-99 and the bear would be almost right at $100 shipped with tax. I would like to get him the biggest and best of those three items. Also, the gift basket and plant prices don't include tax and shipping, which may be an extra $55-60 total.

If we could get another $75 or so, or 7 or 8 members to donate, I think I could get the biggest of everything sent to him and his parents. If we don't get it, then I could just go one step smaller on the basket and plant, no big deal.

Right now I'm looking at: Gift Basket (chocolate or fruit), Spathiphyllum (plant - Peace Lily), and a Vermont Teddy Bear

Again, I'll close this thread on Wednesday night and make arrangements for everything to be sent to Chris' family. If you wish to donate, but can't get the money to me by Wednesday, send me a PM and let me know - that way I can front you the money and maybe get something nicer for Chris.