This is another Jew-on-Christmas post. I'm working hard to finish my contribution to our synagogue's fund-raiser auction. It is a display of cards of Jewish ballplayers, arranged chronologically, and spanning one hundred years. The cards are framed, floating in UV-protected glass, allowing access to the backs. And there's a humorous component -- a non-Jew is included, with the theme offering a clue as to his identity. The speculation creates buzz, and the buzz drives up the bidding. It's a lot of fun, and usually brings in the better part of a thousand bucks.

Does anyone else mix philanthropy with card collecting?

I think there have been several things we have done for charity on Net54 VBCF. We didn't do it this year but we have done a charity lot in a major auction the last few years otherwise. Also, a month or so ago one of our board members made available (with only minor shipping costs) thousands of new baseball cards for underprivileged kids. I took about 10,000 cards (I guess it was that many, maybe more) to the Salvation Army a few days ago to be given to the kiddo's for Christmas.....So that is sort of philanthropy....kind regards

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Fullerton, Ca. is always looking for donations. Contact me for address, if interested in donating.

Shalom William,

Happy Hanukkah !!! Your idea sounds really good. It could be a traveling exhibit/auction to raise money for various causes. You should contact Martin Abramowitz at http://www.jewishmajorleaguers.org to discuss ideas with him.

Alan