IMPORTANT Please Read First

Miramacc, GenCon Forums' Lead Moderator, has posted a note clarifying the situation to the end of this thread. The information comes from Jeannette LeGault the Director of Event Programming for Gen Con. I will be closing this thread so that those statements stand as the final word on the subject. Thank you for the clarification Miramacc and Jeannette.

Each year Gen Con hosts a charity auction. This year the auction was held in memory of Gary Gygax with proceeds going to his favorite charity, the Christian's Children Fund. But, when CCF found out that some of the money would come from the sales of Dungeon's and Dragons, they refused the sponsorhsip. The $17,398 that was raised was given to the Fisher House Foundation instead.
Source: LiveGameAuctions.Com [ more info ]

You know, maybe it's just me, but somehow I doubt a hungry child gives a rat's ass where the money comes from to feed him, clothe him, or put a better roof over his head. And I think it's disgraceful that these CCF chucklenuts would deny hundreds of kids the assistance $17,000 could provide because of something trivial like the fact that part of the money comes from D&D. I mean... if they really think D&D is so evil, wouldn't it be even better to take that money and turn it into something "good"? Arghhh... I wish I could smack these people until the pain turns into $17,000 worth of help and support for a needy child.

Before I drop into tirade mode, I just want to thank all the folks that sent me links to the article. Interestingly enough it seems most of you found it by way of Order of the Stick. [more info]

UPDATE:
CCF is representing that their refusal of the donation was based on their perception that GenCon's request "gave the appearance that CCF (the organization) was an endorser or supporter of a gaming convention, which CCF was not". The CCF maintains that their decision should not be "interpreted as CCF holding an opinion on Mr. Gygax, gaming enthusiasts or the game Dungeons and Dragons".
Source: Overscopt [ more info ]

This response from CCF does not change GU's view of the situation. If a convention CCF was okay with but did not officially endorse raised $17,000 for the charity, I doubt seriously donation would be refused. I will hold further comment until I hear from the CCF directly or they make a statement that can be unquestioningly attributed to their organization.

I'd also like to take a moment here to ask that religion be left out of the conversation. For all intents an purposes that shouldn't matter. CCF just happens to be an organization with a religious leanings. But even if Gygax's favorite charity was "Gamers for for the 3rd World" and THAT organization refused a $17,000 donation that presumably furthered their cause... the comic and direction of the writeup here at GU would be the same, the caricature would just be different. Who cares if they didn't officially endorse the convention, they don't need to. Take the money and release a statement of appreciation that says they didn't officially endorse the convention but they appreciate the intent.

I think they were just spiteful that Jesus wasn't put in Deities & Demigods.

*rolls eyes*

Personally, I respect the decision. I don't agree with it by any means, but I respect it.

It's actually a bit refreshing to see a religious group having a code of ethics, and sticking by it adamantly. It's sort of nice, especially after the whole Southern Baptist Association and Red Cross fiasco.

lol. I'd be one hella pissed hungry kid

I think it shows a weakness of faith. If they refused the money because they think D&D is evil, then they go against what the Bible says. Paul says that if a slab of meat that was used as sacrifice to pagan gods is on sale at the local market, then you should definately buy it since it's cheaper. But peuple are just weak and see deamons everywhere.

Apparently they've got enough money to be picky about who they take it from so why would we bother giving them any more...

P.s.: Funny you should mention Giant in the Playground. I have been following that one for a while... It's like two of my favourite comics coming together. =)

Originally Posted by Kruunch:

I think they were just spiteful that Jesus wasn't put in Deities & Demigods.

LOL that's way too funny!

Some people have to come down off their alleged moral high horse. Still believing that all D&Ders are nothing but a pack of Satanic Cult members. /sigh It's not like the money was stolen or from another nefarious act. Hell, I bet they'd take a generous donation from a New Jersey "Sanitation Company" in the blink of an eye. Yeah, that's a stereotype, but I'm from Jersey, so I can do that.

As I see it, I think it's perfectly cool that their beliefs allow them to get in touch with their spiritual selves in a way that's every bit as real as it can be for anyone else.

But this is exactly the sort of ass-haberdashery that gives [CCF] a black eye. This is a prime example of zealotry killing innocent children. So eff the CCF.

that is one of the things I complain about so much. Thank you Woody for bringing this to the attention of the masses. I struggle with this all the time between my family and I, even though I've given up on religion and just turned atheist for the sake of my mental health. This type of behavior is absurd and needs to be shown.

Actually, the CCF is saying that it was rejected because GenCon used their name in advance, it gave the appearance that CCF was endorsing the convention, and as a matter of rule, they don't allow this. They only allow their name to be used in events they manage.
Source: Gleemax.Com [ more info ]

(It's been a subject of discussion in the City of Heroes forums).