I know several people have brought up the idea of holding some kind of raffle to help an individual offset the cost of attending the International Ferret Symposium in Atlanta-or other future IFC events. As one of the Co-Directors of the IFC I wanted to take a minute to address this issue. While it sounds like a wonderful idea on the surface, we tend to think this would be far more difficult than it sounds. The IFC committee had actually discussed doing something similar. We would love for everyone to be able to attend all the events we are planning but realize this just isn't possible. So if someone wants to attempt to organize some kind of raffle, please feel free to do so, but the IFC will not be able to endorse it or be a part of it in any way. What I would like to see instead is people helping people. For past events, I have paid registration fees so others I knew couldn't attend the event otherwise, would be able to go. I have helped with airfare and even paid for a room or two. If you know of someone who wants to go, but cannot meet the costs, offer to help them. And rather than spend your hard-earned money on a raffle, put that money in an envelope in your underwear drawer. If you start saving now, you may be able to attend a future event that might be a little closer to where you live. Another way to cut costs is to share a room with someone! I know people who attended the Vegas Symposium and roomed with people they had only met via the Internet-and they ended up having a great time and forming great friendships! And car pool! If you're planning on driving....see if someone on your route could use a lift. I picked Rebecca McFarlane up to go to the Toronto event and we had the best time! We talked ferrets the whole way up and back! It was great! My personal wish would be to make these events free to everyone but the reality is, unfortunately, that these events are very, very expensive to put on. So...if you have attended a past symposium and you know someone who would really benefit by attending but who is not in a financial position to be able to attend....offer to help them out! The ferret community is one of the strongest and most giving communities in the world....so lets help each other! Judy Cooke Co-Director IFC [Posted in FML issue 4130]