UPDATE: Brackets are closed. Thanks to everybody who participated! More updates to come as the tournament progresses. You can still donate if you want, that’s definitely not frowned upon
Original Post:
My “Pray for Japan” post got an incredible amount of attention, and I’d be remiss to ignore it. A lot of people seem to be on my side so I thought I’d take advantage of it. In case you didn’t read it, I’m sick and tired of people posting lazy Facebook and Twitter statuses that read “please pray for Japan” when that does literally nothing to help their cause.
Well, I’m American and I know that trying to get somebody to donate money to a cause can be more difficult than UN-hearing Eddie Murphy’s “Party all the Time” so I’ve come up with a way to make sure you’ll donate a few bucks – gambling.
Brackets for Japan is an ESPN March Madness tournament I started that will send 90% of all the money raised to the Japanese relief fund of the winner’s choice from a list of PayPal approved organizations. The remaining 10% goes the winner’s way as well.
American Red Cross
AmeriCares Foundation Inc
Hands on Tokyo
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund
Operation Blessing International
Salvation Army National HQ
Save the Children: Emergency Response
World Vision
It’s so easy it’s stupid, and I’m willing to bet you’ve spent $5 on much dumber shit in your day. You really have no excuse. You’re going to fill out a bracket this year anyway (or know someone who will) and you’ll likely lose. Wouldnt you rather that money go to a great cause than to your dickhead friend or co-worker?
Here’s how it works
1. Using the “donate” button at the bottom of the page – donate $5 per bracket (or more if you want, but no pressure – seriously)
2. Go to the ESPN March Madness tournament page and fill out your bracket BY THURSDAY MORNING (3/17) BEFORE THE FIRST GAME.
3. Make your ESPN bracket’s name the same as your paypal account name. If you’re not comfortable with putting that out there – email me your paypal name and the corresponding bracket name. In short, I just need to be able to match up brackets to their owners.
The money will be held until the tournament’s completion whereupon the winner will be crowned, organization selected, and donation made. I will paypal you back the remaining 10% or send you a check/money order.
If you still want to donate but not fill out a bracket thats cool, just let me know so I’m not up all night trying to match the donation to a bracket (jerk).
**If you don’t pay, the bracket will be cancelled immediately (and you’ll be regarded as a complete deadbeat shithead in my book forever. SHAME!!)
It’s not difficult guys: Donate, fill out a bracket, stop feeling useless. Please feel free to share this with anybody who might be interested.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Awesome idea! See, we can all help.