About the Khephra Flower Fund

[Skinner]

First of all, I want to thank everyone who has already donated. We have collected plenty of donations to purchase a nice flower arrangement. I just got off the phone with the florist, and we're all set for Saturday.

When I started collecting the donations for the flowers, I said that any additional funds would be donated to charity. Since then, it has come to our attention that Kef's mother is concerned about how she is going to cover the cost of the memorial service. With this in mind, I talked to the other admins, and we have decided that it would probably be more helpful if we gave the excess donations directly to his mother. That way she can decide how the money could be best put to use. If anyone has any questions or concerns about this, please feel free to contact me directly.

For those of you who would still like to donate to help out, just click here to go to our donate page. In the space where it says "Forum Username," type "Khephra" so we know the donation is for him.

On a related note, I was able to find a plane ticket to Indianapolis on Saturday, so I'm going to be there for the service. I was extremely surprised at the reasonable price. If anyone else is still deciding whether to go, I would encourage you to at least take a moment to check prices.

[CO Liberal]

1. That's a Great Idea

And a wonderful way to say farewell to our friend.

I'm glad you'll be there, Skinner. Many more of us will be there in spirit.

[Cuban_Liberal]

2. We were planning on going, but...

Paddy's having his surgery Friday, so I don't think I should go. Dress warmly, Skiner--- Saturday is going to be BRUTALLY cold here in the Midwest.

[Coventina]

3. Thanks a million, Skinner.

I am so glad that DU has collectively stepped to the plate and I'm so thankful that you will be there.

Please, take pictures if there are appropriate moments and Momma K. is okay with it.

[Voltaire]

4. Let me be the first to welcome you to Indianapolis

and yeah...it IS gonna be cold. But spirits will be warm all around, I betcha.

[BrklynLiberal]

5. I could not think of a better alternative use of the funds than to help

underwrite the memorial service that will celebrate Khephra's life. Your presence will serve as a symbol for those of us that could not be there in person.

[KoKo]

6. Thank you Skinner....I'm so glad you are able to go. Means a lot to all of

us out here who can't attend to know you will be there for us..

On Edit:

Whatever you decide about Flowers and Memorial Service donations is fine with me.

[VolcanoJen]

7. Is there more information about the time of the service yet?

I'm only two hours from Indy, and want to be there more than anything. I just need to know a firm time so that I can make arrangements to be away from work.

I'll keep watching this thread for updates, unless someone can point me elsewhere!

If there's a silver lining in all of this, it would be that Keff would have loved to see us all together. :grouphug:

[Voltaire]

8. I have some

The calling is from 1 to 3 and the Memorial Service is at 3. More details in the Indiana section on DU

[Cuban_Liberal]

9. Keep checking this link:

http://obit.flanner-buchanan.com/obit_display.cgi?id=176405&listing=Current

When they have the times set, they'll post it here, VJ.

:hi:

[VolcanoJen]

10. Thanks Voltaire and Cuban_Liberal!

:grouphug:

[morffin]

38. Hey Cuban Liberal

I thought I was the only Cuban Liberal! Look me up if you ever get to South Florida.....Viva Cuba Libre.

[henslee]

52. I got a cuban liberal buddy. He lives in L.A. Man, there are some fierce

politcal arguements around his dinner table at holiday time.

[never cry wolf]

72. Hey CL, have you read the gustbook posting in you link?

Touching, as have been all of these here. I think that a thread should be started asking peopole to sign his guestbook, if it hasn't already been done.

[ignatius 2]

83. I just read the signings of the guest book and am touched by how

much so many of us really cared for this gentle,kind man. Thank you for posting this link, I have never seen it before but it is a wonderful idea. I encourage all to sign it for Scott and Momma Kef.

[Skinner]

14. Kef's mom posted this info about the memorial service.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x2396568

[Kukesa]

20. If you need someone to ride shotgun,

there's an old lady in Dayton who will go along with you.

I wasn't fortunate enough to have known Kef, but I am fortunate enough to belong to this wonderful group called DU, and I'd be happy to be there for those of you who can't make it.

[Beaverhausen]

11. I will donate what I can

It won't be much. Thanks for setting this up.

[Florida_Geek]

12. a snowy kick

:kick:

[Rick Myers]

13. We were thinking of making a photo collage

of all the DU'ers wishing to send their regards. If you PM me I'll give you an email to send pics and we will mount them on foamcore or something.

Janet and I will be driving down from Minneapolis. Heck, it will be WARM for us!!!

[wellstone dem]

46. Enjoy the heatwave

and thanks for representing the Minnesota DU community.

[yardwork]

15. Please use my donation however you choose

I think it is a great idea to give the donations to Kef's mom. I trust Skinner and the others to make the right decision.

For those who are going to the service, is there a way that we could find one another, or perhaps stay at the same hotel? I am interested in going. Could we start a thread on this in the Lounge? Or maybe use this thread?

[okieinpain]

26. donated.

[Myrina]

32. Rick Myers has a thread on hotels

He called around and got prices on some in the Indy area.
PM him for info:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=2400664

[yardwork]

34. Thanks, Myrina!

[DoveTurnedHawk]

16. I'm Actually Going to Be in Nashville This Weekend

Maybe I can drive up, if it's not too far.

Thanks for the info, David. I think it's absolutely the right thing to do.

:grouphug:

DTH

[Voltaire]

17. 5 hour drive up I-65

as the crow flies

[DoveTurnedHawk]

21. Thanks for the Info

That's not bad at all. I'll check into rearranging my schedule and a few appointments.

DTH

[CornField]

18. That's really wonderful

Having had to unexpectedly finance a child's funeral, I can tell you that making payments on such an event really sucks. Here's hoping that DU donations will ease Momma K's burden.

Glad you can attend the service, David.

[classof56]

47. I am sending good thoughts your way, Cornfield.

I have experienced several totally unexpected losses--my only sister (aka best friend), brother-in-law, cousins, good friends, but can barely imagine the pain of losing a child, no matter what age. And you are so thoughtful to think about easing Momma K's burden at this awful time in her life. I too will contribute in a few days. I'm sure she has all the strength she needs to get through this horrendous loss, but I'm hoping the knowledge that DUers are with her in spirit and in flesh will help her as well.

I have always liked John Donne's words, which I read at my mother's service a few months ago: Death be not proud. Death, thou shalt die!

Class of 56

[hunter]

19. I was hoping you'd say that!

Thank you, Skinner.

[katinmn]

22. I just donated for the memorial service

Kef's mom seems like a lovely woman and I would like to help out in some small way.

[Maat]

23. Yes, I donated, quite happily!

Thanks Skinner for going to the service to represent us (and all other DUers attending). Please, Gang, say a few words at the service for the rest of us - and post what you say. Thanks! Peace and love to the 'Khephra family!'

[flamingyouth]

24. Thank you, Skinner

I will donate again for the funeral expenses.

And I'm really glad that you will be able to attend. I know that you cared for and respected Scott very much, and being able to attend his service will help with some closure for you. :hug:

[Cooley Hurd]

66. That's a good idea, Lisa...

I'll donate more, as well...:thumbsup:

[hippiechick]

25. Thank you, Skinner.

n/t

[rbnyc]

27. How long will you collect?

I have to wait until I get my next paycheck.

I have to be in Chicago on Saturday, otherwise I'd see you at the service.

There should be a series of regional memorials for all Khephs friends across the country. I'd be willing to help plan one in the NY area.

[Voltaire]

28. I think that is a wonderful idea

For all that cannot be here.

[rbnyc]

29. Thanks.

I just posted about it.

:loveya:

[yardwork]

41. That is a GREAT idea!

I just learned that I absolutely can't leave town this weekend because of childcare constraints. I would like to be able to pay my respects in person, though, and meet other DUers.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

30. Thanks for doing that Skinner..I would rather my donation go to momma Kef

I will contribute more later this week.

NSMA

[prolesunited]

31. Can you give us an idea of how much more

is needed to meet the funeral expenses? I'm sure we can raise it all for her if we had some idea of where the donation total stands.

[Misunderestimator]

37. I agree... I would like to know how much more is needed as well.

[Ladyhawk]

44. Some kind of bar to be reached would be good. n/t

[Lisa0825]

33. any way I can paypal a donation?

can I use the regular paypal donation link and still have it go to Kep's mother?

[Misunderestimator]

35. Absolutely, use the remainder for her expenses... and thanks for putting

it all together.

[sonias]

36. thank you Skinner

All all of our DU family that will be there for us. The rest of us that can't go, are with you in spirit. Love to Mama Kephra from all of us.

Please do help contribute anything you can.

Sonia

[buddhamama]

39. Thank you, Skinner

Good to hear that some DUers will be able to attend.

[ignatius 2]

40. This is wonderful, anyway that we can help Mama Kef in her time of

grief is fantastic.

[StephanieMarie]

42. Please give her a hug from all of us.

Losing someone you love with no warning is the hardest thing a person can ever go through.

[GCP]

43. Sign the guestbook for Scott

http://obit.flanner-buchanan.com/obit_display.cgi?id=17...

Let's put a lot of love in there.
And yes, my donation is willingly given to Scott's mom for the memorial.

[TwoHandedLayup]

45. We might be able to put you up

Shoot me an email and I will talk with my wife. We have a two week old so I am probably out for the service, but you never know.

We live just north of Indy in Fishers.

[Florida_Geek]

48. Why was this on page TWO

:D

[Voltaire]

49. Good point

INDY KICK!!!

[jdj]

50. kick

[Lydia Leftcoast]

51. That's a wonderful idea, Skinner

It's bad enough that Mama Khephra should lose her only child. She shouldn't have to worry about funeral expenses as well.

I wish I could contribute more at this time.

[clydefrand]

53. Thank you , Skinner, for giving us the opportunity to help out

with Khephra's memorial service. Give his mother our condolances, please.
Fran

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

54. Many thanks, Skinner - I'm delighted by your decision

When you opened the flower fund, the first "cause" that came to mind was Khephra's mom. Sudden death puts a terrible financial strain on families already emotionally stressed. I'm really happy that you are helping us help her. :)

[greatauntoftriplets]

55. Thanks, Skinner, for donating the rest to MammaKpeph.

It would mean so much to Scott that you will be there Saturday. Thanks.

I live much closer to Indianapolis than you (Chicago) but have my elderly mother to care for...so I cannot go to the service. But I will be there in spirit.

[NMDemDist2]

56. kick for Kef n/t

[Skittles]

57. what a lovely gesture

we loved Kef and we want to take care of Mama Kef; thanks Skinner.

[senegal1]

59. I'm am donating now use it for whatever is needed.

I didn't know him but I much appreciate the wise and useful posts of people who have been here for so long especially after wandering in the desert of the MSM. Sorry to see one of the wise and kind go home.

[rasputin1952]

58. I think that helping mamma Keph is a wonderful idea...

:D

[davsand]

60. Kick

Kicking this back up.

[Rhiannon12866]

61. What a lovely idea, both the financial help and your presence

I'm sure that she'll really appreciate both the help and the support. I just wish that we could all be there. As usual, Skinner, a job really well done, and I know that you'll give her our love.;(

[auntAgonist]

62. a gentle nudge.

[Desertrose]

63. Thanks, Skinner and everyone......

wish I could be there....also wish I could contribute more.....maybe later if we can keep an ongoing contribution thingy?? Wish we could cover all expenses for Mama Kef. I can't even imagine how I'd survive if I lost a child....:cry:

I think its wonderful so many DUers are going to be there....

:grouphug:
DR

[fortyfeetunder]

64. Skinner: Thank you for arranging this

And thank you for attending the services, and representing us DUers who cannot be there physically but only in spirit.

[Florida_Geek]

65. Again why is this on page two

:(

[GCP]

67. Kick for Wednesday

:kick:

[lonestarnot]

68. Donating money to DU in remembrance of Khephra. Think he would

like that.:pals:

[ed_vadem]

69. just made my donation, in honor of Kef

and I appreciate that DU will be well represented at the service

I met Kef on the DC mall (at a peace rally) nearly 4 years ago representing the DU flag and he was trying to find out how to get back to the DU hotel about 6 blocks away. We had a long conversation and I was glad to be of some help in trip back.

His contribution to DU wll be long remembered and I am sure DU members will go a long way towards helpng his mom cover the costs of the service.

I would also hope that some "permanent" tribute to Kef at DU be established where addtional funds can be used to fund "memberships" for deservng folks n his honor.

Ed Herlihy
Reston, VA

[annabanana]

70. nudge

[prolesunited]

71. Any update

on how close the donations are to covering the cost of the funeral? It would be helpful for those still intending on making donations to know.

[Beaverhausen]

73. How'd this get on page 2?

[b...]

74. what else can we do? a scholarship perhaps?

I was thinking last night on whether it would be a good idea to start some sort of scholarship in his name. I recognize money is tight for many people, but if a 100 people donated 5 or 10 bucks every year, then you could really help make a difference in some young person's life.

call it the khephra democracy scholarship, and give it to someone who is going to go into public service.

just an idea.

[American Tragedy]

88. That's a hell of an idea.

[handywork]

75. Thank you Skinner for setting this up...

DU, you are all such great people!! I'm glad to be a part of this community

:pals:

[JohnKleeb]

76. kick

[slutticus]

77. Kick

[prolesunited]

78. Three's a charm

:kick:

[ignatius 2]

79. To the top for Mama Kef.

n/t

[KG]

80. kick-a-roony

so the forum nannies can chill.

[KG]

81. kick - a - poo

ok, off to start a copycat thread...

[ignatius 2]

82. OK gang, buy one less twelve pack this week and pony up for Mama

Kef and Scott.

See Skinners instructions above.

[faithfulcitizen]

84. thanks skinner

[hippiechick]

85. A request for PC hardware help from MommaKef

I was just at the house, and her ISP is down so we couldn't get her DU account opened up.

Please let us know if anyone coming to Indy this weekend will be around for a little while on Sunday, and has some PC techie knowledge. Or if someone's near Indy on a regular basis and thinks they can have a go at this, it would be wonderful.

She wants to make some changes to Command Central so she can add her own PC and remove some of the stuff she'll never use. Now, normally I could probably pull this off, but Kef had 3 PC's ... 2 Tv's, a receiver, 2 dvd recorders, a vcr, 2 cd burners and assorted cables, modems, splitters and routers. Literally close to 15 sets of wiring - all of it connected to and routed through each other.

Anyone who would be willing to tackle this project, Momma Kef would be most grateful. (PC #3 needs to go back to the rental store soon, so she'd also like help inventorying all the stuff on the hard drive - which we identified - and burning it to discs/dvd's.)

THANK YOU !!!!!

[Ladyhawk]

86. Skinner, is there any way we can know how this is going? n/t

[Hodapp]

87. Memorial clarification

Some of the other threads have mentioned confusion over the memorial service on Saturday. The visitation is Saturday from 1 until 3 at the funeral home in Carmel. Scott's Lodge brothers will then perform a Masonic funeral service AT THE FUNERAL HOME at 3:00.

Chris Hodapp
Broad Ripple Lodge #643 F&AM

[hippiechick]

89. Thursday Morning kick

:grouphug:

[Lefta Dissenter]

90. Thanks Skinner

:kick:

[catmandu57]

91. One more nudge

I know we can't stop the world, but, let's see if we can't keep this where everyone can see it, for a couple of days anyway. Also, if you have'nt signed the book for heavens sake go do it, 60,000+ registered people surely we can get more people to say a kind word or two.

[Voltaire]

92. Late Morning Thursday Kick

Because I can

[prolesunited]

93. Are we almost there

in covering the cost of the funeral?

[Butterflies]

94. kick

[Melinda]

95. Kickin for Keph & Mama Keph

If we could cover Mari's husbands funeral expenses, we can surely take care of Keph too.

Another donation on its way.

[catmandu57]

96. there are members

who could cover the entire thing and never miss it, as it is I'll borrow ten bucks tonight so I can give it to help his mother and because I respected the man.

[Melinda]

97. Amen kick!!

[prolesunited]

98. That was very generous of you

I'm sure those who can are pitching in.

[Melinda]

99. Amen again!!

[Deja Q]

100. Skinner

:yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock:

[auntAgonist]

101. nudge