Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

A few days ago, yes, last year I posted this topic. I got some great advice and want to make this a reality. I believe that a person with proper instruction and training can achieve great things.
I will gather a group of people interested in photography. Just because they have a disability should NOT be a hindrance. I hope they have access to a camera. An inexpensive camera would be best. I will need a group of colleagues who photograph or are learning themselves. They would all accompany each other in groups. If they have experience with people who have disabilities that is a plus. But it is not a requirement. I will plan a short photo walk in NYC. Perhaps, a six to ten block radius. The photos will be printed and displayed at a gallery. The art may be placed on sale or raffled off. I will use a company to register and keep track of everyone. Perhaps, I can get sponsorship from major companies. (It would be a tax-deduction for a major retailer or manufacturer.) I had begun this post in the beginning of December. I got a bunch of supporters and high-fives in the past for doing this. The reason why I am doing this is:
My disabled son Brian was interested in photography. He was intrigued and intimidated by my camera's weight, complexity and intricacy. He was impressed by the true artful nature of preserving an image. Sadly, he passed away three years ago. You are all welcome to go to our website. It is
www.BGMFoundation.org. We are a registered 501[c][3] charity capable of issuing certificates for tax-deduction purposes. I would appreciate your support. I would appreciate any advice, criticisms, counsel and suggestions for this to become a reality. Thank you all. HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

byuaceman Loc: Mesa, AZ

What a great idea! If I lived in NY, I would join you

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

That doesn't mean you don't have any ideas. Doesn't it?

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I am open to suggestions criticisms comments advice and counsel. In all this is the first of many photo walks I will do. I haven't done one so I'm a newbie. I am willing and able. Most of all, I am eager for a photo walk to become more than an incomplete thought. I want it to become a reality.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

You must have existing organizations who are already working with disabled people. To create a new 'activity' with them would bring 'expert' helping hands, possible adapted vehicles to collect your group and interested staff that could 'further' any later requests from their members. City Hall will have a database of charitable organizations that you could contact AS WELL AS any requirements and 'qualifications' YOU would need to run or be part of such an event. I know for a fact that in the UK our councils expect £10mil public liability insurance for events bearing their affiliation(Name on flyer's). This includes charities too.
If you are asking for 'one to one' contact between able and 'vulnerable' people, then a certain amount of 'official checking' for all helpers may also be demanded.

Perhaps, initial contact with an organization you feel appropriate to help as a volunteer might be a starting point. Working with one organization to iron out actual and potential problems in setting up 'your group' could then be explored using those who 'actually know the hoops and pitfalls that you will be required to jump through.

Your thoughts and reasoning is to be applauded, but 'going it alone' is reinventing a wheel for existing vehicles that are often already underfunded and staffed.

Do not take this as a negative,but photographers may not be the ideal forum to explore charitable works - But an ideal Forum to drum up help! Kit, Funds Ideas and camera skills etc

Have fun

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Dear Friend: These ideas and suggestions are helpful and thought provoking. I shall get to work on all of them. Thanks again

byuaceman Loc: Mesa, AZ

Sorry but no ideas from me. I am not disabled but I would be there to help and learn. I think it's a great thing to do.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Unfortunately the Brian Andrew Gewirtz Memorial Foundation does not appear to be rated by any of the major charity raters. Further the site itself does not provide any fiscal or activities data that would make the organization a safe recipient. You might want to consider providing clear and detailed information regarding the activities supported and how much of the budget goes to administration.

For these reasons, I am out.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

We recently created my son's foundation three years ago. The Foundation was created as our parental response to the loss of our son, Brian Gewirtz. We have no overhead since most of the Foundation's activities take place in our living room and come out of our pocket. Our activities are openly presented and our financial data is available for anyone to view. As for being rated by the charity raters, we are recently created. That will take time for the charity evaluators to review our financials which is available.
Our activities have included donating 17 canoes and kayaks to Ten Mile River Boy Scout camp. (Brian earned his Eagle Rank there.) We have donated six pianos to various schools that help children with disabilities. (Brian was learning to play piano before he passed away. ) We have donated awards to disabled children at various schools. We have provided campership awards to disabled children. Despite his disabilities, Brian wanted to learn how to photograph and learn how to pilot a plane. A local flying school will be providing flying lessons for two for free. Would you like to learn how to pilot a plane? There would be no cost to the recipient. We incur all expenses. A photo walk is our way of making others aware of my son. It doesn't cost anyone any money. The only thing that I ask is if my colleagues (photographers) want to volunteer their time and help someone with a disability. My son did more in his 20 years than most people do in a lifetime!
With all due respect, I do not believe you reviewed our website. I believe that you may have glanced over it. For example, you did not mention about the sponsoring of a donation of some paintings. We sponsored a donation of two paintings to Mount Sinai Medical Center (NYC) Rehabilitation unit done by a handicapped man injured some 40 years ago. There was no money exchanged. There was no financial benefit to our foundation. The hospital benefited by displaying painting completed by a man still in Rehab. If you wish I can be privately messaged and we can discuss my son's Foundation in detail.
Other people who have responded to this thread are eager to assist in this project of a Photo Walk. They are aware there is no financial reward for them or us. I just want to help at least one disabled person learn to be behind a camera.
Thank you for your critique and I will contact some charity raters to evaluate our son's Foundation.
Happy Shooting, my friend, dsmeltz.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Dear dsmeltz: This is in response to your recent thread. I wish to let you know that while we do not have a great deal of assets, we have filed a Federal 990N form each year. Sir, I will attempt to have the proper documentation for your purposes. So I thank you for your critique of my son's Foundation. But I do have some questions for you. I hope you will continue reading.
First, Do you have a child or children?
Second, If you have a child is that child disabled?
Third, Has any of your children passed away?
These questions are made not so much for your answer but to provoke thought about our Foundation.
I don't know how experienced a photographer you are. For myself, I am new to this craft. I started in 1976.
As a photographer, I jump at any opportunity to use my camera and teach people how to photograph not just use the camera they have.
Fourth, How come you are not interested in the purpose, scope and mission of an upcoming walk?
Fifth, Does any venture need charge people a fee for their assistance?
Our Photo Walk For The Disabled is to give people an opportunity to achieve something of personal worth. It is not to accrue funds. We will incur any expenses. We will benefit by making others aware of my son's life and building a legacy for him.
Lastly, my disabled son did more in 20 years than most people do in their lifetime.
Here is a challenge for you and other naysayers, do you want to make a difference as a photographer or just dog paddle through life?
You and anyone else can private message me for more information. And as a gentle man that I am, I invite you to my home to see my son's many accomplishments as well as our financial statements.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

I spend a significant part of my year helping to raise funds for various charities. Some of them are for causes that have affected me personally, some are not. Being able to attach a personal story to an ask is always better, but it is far from essential.

I, however, do not donate to or raise funds for any organization which does not provide clear and easy access to fiscal performance. If it is hidden 4, 5 or more clicks down, I assume they either do not bother to have it or they are hiding something. In either case, they do not make my cut. An organization that wants to be above board should put a link on their homepage titled appropriately. Something like "Our Record" that leads to fiscal and performance information.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Dear dsmeltz: Let me thank you in advance for responding. I take your concerns as an incentive for improving my son's website. (www.BGMFoundation.org). As for being a few clicks away, you have shown me what motivates you and perhaps others. I get it and will work on improving what we have begun.
This leaves me with a question that I will ask myself. Do other people view the Foundation as a money grabbing venture? I know we are not about to reach into other's pockets demanding cash. The Foundation is about making
others aware of Brian Gewirtz and the struggles he had overcome thoughout his life despite his disabilities. Sir, please look at the Website closely. It says, "Completing The Puzzle Of Disability Awareness." Anyone is welcome to private message me;I will provide anything without question. I have taken your criticisms and will improve my son's website to be better able to find what it is you seek. I leave you with a question. Dear Fellow Photographer: Do you think the opportunity for a disabled person to learn photography is beyond your ability?