Giving Back

[iowaguy]

I'm with Teresa Rae---its a good point, and I suspect a lot of Forumites might be open to altering their vacation styles a bit to incorporate what you suggest. But the judgmental tone is hard to warm up to--as they say in the country, "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar."

[jimg20]

I have to jump in here. I have seen an incredible outpouring of support, money, and time from our Forum friends. I know this because I see it in the postings when someone gives up a few hours of their vacation to walk dogs. I see it in the replies to postings about serious illness, injuries and deaths. The page probably is still there where Forumites gave over $4,000.00 (I think) to ACC. That was almost 1/3 of the shelter's annual budget. I suspect that what we know about is only the tip of the iceberg.

I will not ask anyone to post their giving here and I will not do that either. It should be sufficient to say that it is personal and I sleep very well at night. We raised three girls. You can't make me feel guilty.

JIM

[hoosierdaddy]

So are we supose to donate to the community on every vacation? I was in Fort Walton Beach for Spring Break and saddly I didn't give to any charities.

If only Soxfan was here

[toes in the sand]

ok...i've sat on this for about a month now...having been told that "giving back" was above and beyond what visitors to this gem need to do. Yes, you spend your money, tip as you please, and walk away feeling pretty good about yourselves.... I'm fed up with the self-centered attitude. Since '85, i've done just that...given back..in small ways and larger ways...be a real person..be genuine....and see how easy it is to contribute. What you see is not all that exists here. There are real needs. Open your eyes and ears to where those needs are. This is a beautiful, incredible "playground"...look beyond yourselves to see what you can do to make it better.

Yep, that's me. My favorite place on the island is the place on the Caneel property on the road to Honeymoon beach. Self Centre. Just cannot get away from it. Love that place. It's all about me. ME ME ME!!

Seriously, Bill and or Sue, you are making huge assumptions and jumping to judgements far beyond the information given on this forum.

[SOonthebeach]

Have to say that, even though I have only met a few people on this forum in person, I think this is a really supportive, giving, caring group, in addition to having a whole lot of fun and sharing that fun with each other. I have seen many ways (some mentioned above) where the generosity of this forum was real and benefitted the island we all love. All good vibes in my book and this post confuses me, too.

And Anthony, we all know you do a lot more than delete objective threads we appreciate it!!

[STX lady]

I gotta say...I'm totally shocked at the responses.... it must have to do with whether you feel the islands in your hearts! No matter which island, we do leave our mark, let it be a good one, if only a small one.

Judging the way it was said/posted is unfair....I truly think (from the nasty responses) that you all got the point.

[Heather-in-MA]

Ok. I've thought about it for a bit. I think I can kind of see what you're trying to say OP but to be honest it comes across as offensive to people who do this already and make it part of their lives everyday, even on vacation.

Most of us do what we can to help our fellow man and don't need the reminder. Some by virtue of circumstance, health,where they are in life will be able to do more/less than others but it doesn't mean that they don't respect, appreciate and care for STJ. In fact I'd venture to guess that STJ "calls" to a very specific personality type and the other type would not like STJ at all.

That said, and I'm addressing it here and not in the other post, but I think that the OP of the other post was spot-on of her *objective* review of her trip, I too would be annoyed if my villa didn't come with measuring cups! Heck if i remember correctly we get them at Maho even. Honestly, it almost made me question weather or not you were the villa owner and were annoyed at the review?

In closing, yes I agree with you we should all be respectful of wherever we visit. (even the local drive thru! )