This post may cause me to lose friends, for that I am sorry, but I'm just fed up and I need to vent. 

Morgan is participating in an program called Girls on the Run.  She meets two mornings a week to train for a 5k run.  The cost was $75 and was to include  lessons in building self-confidence and healthy habits, training sessions, and at the end, a new pair of tennis shoes.  It, so far, has been great and she has enjoyed it. 

Yesterday they told the girls that there were not enough shoes for everyone.  Only the girls who were in the program on scholarship would be receiving them. 

I'm just so tired of it!!!!!   Why is it that my child should miss out because I PAID?  Is it a punishment?  My husband and I work hard for every penny we make. It just burns me up that I choose carefully what to spend my money on and do without some things so I can pay for things for my kids while others have everything and don't seem to be required to pay for much of anything! 

I'm not saying that I live a hard life...I don't.  But I don't have cable TV, I drive a modest car, I buy things on sale, ect.   People I see around me have better things than my kids and I, but are the ones who get help paying for field trips and free lunch.

It's just not right.

Jeannie

Wow, so it seems that your $75 is paying for someone elses shoes...

My guess is their grant or fundraising fell short of the goal. It seems they would have appealed to a business community or service organization to help sponsor...

I get your frustration Jeannie. They let your daughter down, which in turn lets you down.

Welcome to the Age of Entitlement.

Is it right? Absolutely not. Is it reality? You bet.

Maybe you could use this as a teaching opportunity for your daughter. How, I'm not sure. But there are life lessons contained in this outrage. Maybe you can teach her what it is about this situation that outrages you and what an appropriate response will be.

If there's one thing I've learned so far, it's that "FAIR" is ball that lands between two white lines, and that's it. I DO know that I can still like the guy I see in the mirror in the morning.

No, it isn't fair at all, BUT....

   
Quote:

It, so far, has been great and she has enjoyed it.

   Maybe this alone was worth the 75.00 not to mention what Brew said.  This could turn into a great teaching lesson for your daughter.

I totally understand where your coming from Jeannie..

Whilst it is very important to provide social welfare to the vunnerable and unemployed in our society some systems definitely need looking at. I really do believe the vast majority of people do not want to find themselves in this situation and unfortunately there is a minority who will flaunt and rob the system blind.

Ther are alot of votes contained within the social
welfare system and politicians are terrified to fully overhaul these systems in order to route out the scammers. Untill this happens people like you and I will continue to see this type of discrimination. I would on the other hand be very wary of generalisations of the social welfare system if you do decide to use this as a teaching tool for your daughter...




Lefty

And I would recommend that you use this teaching opportunity with your daughter to teach her EXACTLY where your values lie. Generalizations start with at least a kernel of truth. The social welfare system doesn't need any more defenders.

I don't understand how they can get away with sending out a flyer that clearly states that for a set price you will receive A, B and C, then change what they have said. 

I paid an amount with the understanding that shoes would be included, now they are not. 

They're supposed to let you know beforehand that the program, like so many things, might be run by idiots.

No matter how well-meaning this stuff is, this happens often enough to piss us off. They dropped the ball....unfortunately on your foot.

Charlie

Jeannie wrote on Apr 16^th, 2010 at 9:20am:

The cost was $75 and was to include ... a new pair of tennis shoes.  Only the girls who were in the program on scholarship would be receiving them.

Almost sounds like some kind of Ponzi scheme.

I might be tempted to put their feet to the proverbial fire here.  In reality, you have a contract.  The paper states that for *X amt. of dollars*, you will be receiving, *a,b,c*.

I would at least be asking why.

Quote:

This post may cause me to lose friends,

Why would you think this Jeannie???   :-/  We're all with you hun. 

I believe that is what is called false advertizing.  It needs to be treated as such.

Jerry

Perfect example of socialism, spreading the wealth, take from those who have earned it and give it to those who haven't.

Sad part is, this just enables and encourages more to not earn it.

Bob P wrote on Apr 17^th, 2010 at 8:09am:

Perfect example of socialism, spreading the wealth, take from those who have earned it and give it to those who haven't. Sad part is, this just enables and encourages more to not earn it.

If it was just adults involved here, I'd highly recommend going all John Galt on 'em. Get your money back, drop out, stop feeding the machine. But a little girl's feelings are at stake. Maybe you could get your money back, find a good way to donate some of it to a WORTHY cause, and buy her a new pair of running shoes as well.

I agree with Jerry and that it is indeed false advertising. I would approach the organisers and see if you can claim back x amount of money.



Lefty

New Balance shoes seems to be a sponsor, maybe if you were to contact them, they might reputably reply possibly making good. 




Charity event benefitting Girls on the Run Scholarship Fund.
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Girls on the Run contact info:

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Thanks for the link, Kevin.  I just sent the following email to the organizers, and will be following it up with something similar to New Balance.

To whom it may concern:

This is just to let you know I believe your actions in advertizing the race for girls with a pair of shoes included in the price paid then reneging on your offer except to those who were on scholorship is false advertizing and reprehensible.  I intend to so inform the folks at New Balance as well. 

Sincerely,
Jerry L. Callison


Hope it helps.

Jerry

edit to add:

This is the email I sent the Media Relations dept of New Balance.  I could find no address for Customer Relations, so I addressed it to Media:



I know this is going to the wrong department, but I cannot find an address for customer service.  However, this will affect your department, because unless this issue is resolved properly your media expenditures will be wasted on me.

The action taken by the organizers of the 5K run in St Louis after advertizing a pair of shoes to be given to those who register and participate then telling them there are not enough shoes to go around, hence the only ones to be given shoes are the ones there on scholorship is not only false advertizing, it is reprehensible.  I know I am only one customer, and I don't make much of a difference in the over all picture, but I am a former customer until and unless action is taken to correct this misconduct.

Sincerely,

Jerry L Callison

Hope this also helps.  We'll see if either of them care about the customer or not.  I'll be keeping an eye on this to see what the reaction is.

[quote author=5A5D54545C5757380 link=1271424032/4#4 date=1271428964]I totally understand where your coming from Jeannie..

Whilst it is very important to provide social welfare to the vunnerable and unemployed in our society some systems definitely need looking at. I really do believe the vast majority of people do not want to find themselves in this situation and unfortunately there is a minority who will flaunt and rob the system blind.

Ther are alot of votes contained within the social
welfare system and politicians are terrified to fully overhaul these systems in order to route out the scammers. Untill this happens people like you and I will continue to see this type of discrimination. I would on the other hand be very wary of generalisations of the social welfare system if you do decide to use this as a teaching tool for your daughter..."

Aren't you a bit paranoid about this? I think that the situation is just as the director of the program said and not some kind of liberal plot.  I think that the company that offered to donate the shoes could find a way to get shoes for those who didn't get any.  Blame them if you need to blame anyone but don't pick on the poor. I'll bet that you support Poor Sarah Palin who violated her oath of office so that she could make lots of money ($12,000,000) so far. Since she obviously doesn't spend much on getting her hair cut, maybe she can pay for the extra shoes-she could even use her contribution as a tax deduction!

wrote on Apr 18^th, 2010 at 4:03am:

Blame them if you need to blame anyone but don't pick on the poor.

I don't blame the poor. I blame the greedy.

Greed is not confined to one segment of the social caste system.

Brew wrote on Apr 18^th, 2010 at 7:35am:

wrote on Apr 18th, 2010 at 4:03am: Blame them if you need to blame anyone but don't pick on the poor. I don't blame the poor. I blame the greedy. Greed is not confined to one segment of the social caste system.

No difference? Really! There is the greed of bankers lying to people to buy homes by lying to buyers and giving themselves millions in "awards" before going out of business having known all the time that their companies will go out of busines and leaving thousands homeless and the "greed" of poor people trying to feed their families and buy them decent clothes-their is a big difference. Their has been the recent banking scandals and do you remember Ken Lay and Enron?  If there is a Hell he should have been admitted immediatey.

Quote:

Aren't you a bit paranoid about this? I think that the situation is just as the director of the program said and not some kind of liberal plot.  Blame them if you need to blame anyone but don't pick on the poor. I'll bet that you support Poor Sarah Palin

Stop Tommy before you give me an identity crisis...! I will admit though, I do find Sarah Palin kind of attractive....


Lefty

Kind of attractive???? Kind of atractive???? And the rockies are "kinda big???" And the Titanic was "kind of" a large boat??? Sarah Palin kinda attractive??? Dude, the woman is smoking hot!!!!..................k.......I'm done now.... :-[

Joe

Has anybody on board got a brown paper bag....! Deep breaths Joe, big deep breaths... ;D



Lefty

wrote on Apr 18^th, 2010 at 9:01am:

I don't blame the poor. I blame the greedy. Greed is not confined to one segment of the social caste system.No difference? Really! There is the greed of bankers lying to people to buy homes by lying to buyers and giving themselves millions in "awards" before going out of business having known all the time that their companies will go out of busines and leaving thousands homeless and the "greed" of poor people trying to feed their families and buy them decent clothes-their is a big difference. Their has been the recent banking scandals and do you remember Ken Lay and Enron?  If there is a Hell he should have been admitted immediatey.

Greed is greed, pal.

Not everything is political nor should it be. Some is just stupid, a pain in the ass or just wrong. This is one of those things.

Charlie

Guiseppi wrote on Apr 18^th, 2010 at 3:32pm:

Kind of attractive???? Kind of atractive???? And the rockies are "kinda big???" And the Titanic was "kind of" a large boat??? Sarah Palin kinda attractive??? Dude, the woman is smoking hot!!!!..................k.......I'm done now.... :-[ Joe

Hey Joe, remember that the Titanic was good looking and a bit top heavy and sank quickly after hitting an iceberg.  I don't know how much of Sarah is real, but I have my doubts about her prowess in bed-I imagine hubby, when he gets the chance, is on bottom taking notes while she moans not words of love but the few words that she actually writes of her speeches, the best of which was on "Saturday Night Live" (which was written by professionals).  I wouldn't mind a roll in the hay with her if I wouldn't have to be her secretary at the same time. She also needs a new hairstyle badly! I shudder at the thought of her being president, but I think that most Americans have more sense than to elect her.  I think that her calling is to be a regular on SNL; just as she quit her job as being Governor of Alaska to make more money, I wouldn't put it past her to resign as President after a short while to make more money (ghost) writing books and being a comic-she really is a joke, though as age and gravity have their effects, should could go down in history as the first Presidents to have breast implants and nips and tucks on various other parts of her body.  Good luck Joe, just don't let your wife find out  :o !

Quote:

Whilst it is very important to provide social welfare to the vunnerable and unemployed in our society some systems definitely need looking at. I really do believe the vast majority of people do not want to find themselves in this situation and unfortunately there is a minority who will flaunt and rob the system blind. Ther are alot of votes contained within the social welfare system and politicians are terrified to fully overhaul these systems in order to route out the scammers. Untill this happens people like you and I will continue to see this type of discrimination. I would on the other hand be very wary of generalisations of the social welfare system if you do decide to use this as a teaching tool for your daughter..." Aren't you a bit paranoid about this? I think that the situation is just as the director of the program said and not some kind of liberal plot.  I think that the company that offered to donate the shoes could find a way to get shoes for those who didn't get any.  Blame them if you need to blame anyone but don't pick on the poor. I'll bet that you support Poor Sarah Palin who violated her oath of office so that she could make lots of money ($12,000,000) so far. Since she obviously doesn't spend much on getting her hair cut, maybe she can pay for the extra shoes-she could even use her contribution as a tax deduction!

Quote:

Hey Joe, remember that the Titanic was good looking and a bit top heavy and sank quickly after hitting an iceberg.  I don't know how much of Sarah is real, but I have my doubts about her prowess in bed-I imagine hubby, when he gets the chance, is on bottom taking notes while she moans not words of love but the few words that she actually writes of her speeches, the best of which was on "Saturday Night Live" (which was written by professionals).  I wouldn't mind a roll in the hay with her if I wouldn't have to be her secretary at the same time. She also needs a new hairstyle badly! I shudder at the thought of her being president, but I think that most Americans have more sense than to elect her.  I think that her calling is to be a regular on SNL; just as she quit her job as being Governor of Alaska to make more money, I wouldn't put it past her to resign as President after a short while to make more money (ghost) writing books and being a comic-she really is a joke, though as age and gravity have their effects, should could go down in history as the first Presidents to have breast implants and nips and tucks on various other parts of her body.  Good luck Joe, just don't let your wife find out

And here I thought this thread from Jeannie was a need to vent because of shoes promised and her daughters disappointment.  Silly me.   ::)

Agreed Linda  ;) ;)

I did mention the $75, Linda and Helen and I think that it is a shame that some company doesn't donate how many more pairs are needed.  $75 is a lot of money for most of us and I feel sorry for the kids that didn't get their sneakers (my age is showing!).  I still wonder what the newly, VERY rich Mrs. Palin would do if a letter was sent to her requesting the money for the kids who got left out-probably a request for a donation to her "Boston Tea  Party" movement (though I suspect that she would have been a Tory and reported the person and then thrown a party for General Powell.  The great English philosopher and member of Parliament, Edmund Burke, was against the war against the colonies-even now he could out-debate Palin who only cares about money and is the only governor who has voluntarily left office to make money.  Shame!

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Charlie

I'm very sorry to hear this Jeannie. I can imagine how crushed your daughter must've felt.

Sounds like they got it backwards: Those on scolarships should've been the ones to lose out if anyone had to - after all, they already GOT SCHOLARSHIPS!

I would be fuming mad as well. Start writing letters and if no satisfaction, contact the media. Fox2 LOVES to point out 'bad business conduct' and that's exactly what this is.

Lose friends over this post? Not a chance. However I think you could use a hug.  [smiley=hug.gif]

Peace,
Carl

Jeannie,

Me, I'd go to the media (newspaper, TV - whatever is available) - and YELL - don't whisper... this is also a "teaching" lesson for "confidence" in young girls (teaches them to stand up for what's RIGHT). I "guarantee" you MY kid would get the damn tennis shoes before it was over!

And I don't know why you think anyone around here would NOT be on YOUR side in this... I'm mad enough to about it to kick some rear... I just don't believe in lying to kids about nuthin'

:-*BD

wrote on Apr 19^th, 2010 at 11:11am:

I did mention the $75, Linda and Helen and I think that it is a shame that some company doesn't donate how many more pairs are needed.  $75 is a lot of money for most of us and I feel sorry for the kids that didn't get their sneakers (my age is showing!).  I still wonder what the newly, VERY rich Mrs. Palin would do if a letter was sent to her requesting the money for the kids who got left out-probably a request for a donation to her "Boston Tea  Party" movement (though I suspect that she would have been a Tory and reported the person and then thrown a party for General Powell.  The great English philosopher and member of Parliament, Edmund Burke, was against the war against the colonies-even now he could out-debate Palin who only cares about money and is the only governor who has voluntarily left office to make money.  Shame!

Can you please cease using this thread for non related political opinions regarding Ms Palin or any other politicians. You may start a different thread about politics but it's not fair to hijack this one

Thank you

The reason I was afraid that I would loose friends over this thread was due to the fact that I feel that it is unfair to allow the children that didn't have to pay to get the shoes.  I feel guilty, I guess.  I can buy Morgan shoes.  If someone that is participating cannot, maybe they should get them.  HOWEVER... I see so many people around me that have better cars, cable TV, ipods, more expensive shoes, ect.  And they are the ones who are always getting a hand out.    I don't mind helping those who need it but, I hate the way the system is taken advantage of.   

I emailed the woman in charge of the program.  She claims that they never meant to imply that ALL girls would get shoes and that they did not receive as many donations as in the past.  The information clearly stated that the price included the shoes.  My hope is that they will change how the info is presented next time.  For now I guess I will just cheer Morgan on when she runs her race...In her OLD shoes.  I'll continue to teach her the value of hard work and feeling good about earning the things one has in life. 

You all are wonderful!

Jeannie

I'll bet that those kids who didn't get the sneakers are the brighter ones and as time goes by they will get better education and better jobs and the $75 will be forgotten (or the cost of a cup of coffee by the time they are adults-the cost of a cup of tea for our English friends).

Oh heck - the old shoes run "faster" anyhow and the new ones cause "blisters" -- Hold the thought! :-*

Charlie wrote on Apr 19^th, 2010 at 12:16pm:

I agree with Bill Maher that I'd like to see her on Jeopardy. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Charlie

I think that she would be a perfect host for "Jerry Springer-is he still on TV?  The only problem-and it would be a big one-is that she would expect the contestants to follow her advice just like she does.  Maybe the show could be broadcast from the Alaska Psychiatric Institute (I used to live in Alaska and used to admit patients there) so that immediate medication will be available in case she goes even further off the deep end than she already is.. :D  :P :o

BarbaraD wrote on Apr 20^th, 2010 at 5:54am:

Oh heck - the old shoes run "faster" anyhow and the new ones cause "blisters" -- Hold the thought! :-*

Good point!    :)

wrote on Apr 19^th, 2010 at 11:11am:

I did mention the $75, Linda and Helen and I think that it is a shame that some company doesn't donate how many more pairs are needed.  $75 is a lot of money for most of us and I feel sorry for the kids that didn't get their sneakers (my age is showing!).  I still wonder what the newly, VERY rich Mrs. Palin would do if a letter was sent to her requesting the money for the kids who got left out-probably a request for a donation to her "Boston Tea  Party" movement (though I suspect that she would have been a Tory and reported the person and then thrown a party for General Powell.  The great English philosopher and member of Parliament, Edmund Burke, was against the war against the colonies-even now he could out-debate Palin who only cares about money and is the only governor who has voluntarily left office to make money.  Shame!

I wouldn't expect Sarah Palin to pay for the shoes anymore than I expected to have to pay for someone else's.  This is EXACTLY what I am against.   ;)

wrote on Apr 20^th, 2010 at 6:56am:

I think that she would be a perfect host for "Jerry Springer-is he still on TV?  The only problem-and it would be a big one-is that she would expect the contestants to follow her advice just like she does.  Maybe the show could be broadcast from the Alaska Psychiatric Institute (I used to live in Alaska and used to admit patients there) so that immediate medication will be available in case she goes even further off the deep end than she already is.. :D  :P :o

Oh.. I can name PLENTY that could use a psychiatric institute and immediate medication  ;)

Quote:

Oh.. I can name PLENTY that could use a psychiatric institute and immediate medication  ;)

Shhh ...you promised not to tell.....

wrote on Apr 20^th, 2010 at 9:42am:

Oh.. I can name PLENTY that could use a psychiatric institute and immediate medication  ;)

It's the guys who show up speaking bad German and pretending to be women who worry me.

Best,

George

wrote on Apr 20^th, 2010 at 9:42am:

wrote on Apr 20th, 2010 at 6:56am: I think that she would be a perfect host for "Jerry Springer-is he still on TV?  The only problem-and it would be a big one-is that she would expect the contestants to follow her advice just like she does.  Maybe the show could be broadcast from the Alaska Psychiatric Institute (I used to live in Alaska and used to admit patients there) so that immediate medication will be available in case she goes even further off the deep end than she already is.. :D  :P :o Ya, anyone who would move to Syracuse  :D ! Oh.. I can name PLENTY that could use a psychiatric institute and immediate medication  ;)

George wrote on Apr 20^th, 2010 at 2:47pm:

wrote on Apr 20th, 2010 at 9:42am: Oh.. I can name PLENTY that could use a psychiatric institute and immediate medication  ;) It's the guys who show up speaking bad German and pretending to be women who worry me. Best, George

Ya vol mein herr - or "him" even Georgie!!

wrote on Apr 20^th, 2010 at 3:35am:

I'll bet that those kids who didn't get the sneakers are the brighter ones and as time goes by they will get better education and better jobs and the $75 will be forgotten (or the cost of a cup of coffee by the time they are adults-the cost of a cup of tea for our English friends).

Damn, now your insulting Jeannie's daughter  >:(.

Quote:

Can you please cease using this thread for non related political opinions regarding Ms Palin or any other politicians

YES... can you please?????

This thread is really about Jeannie and her daugther believe it or not.   :(



                 ::)

Instead of talking about this people how about we all kick in a few buck each and get the girl a nice pair of running shoes? 
How about all, I am willing to cut a check, Jeannie can you give us an address and name to make checks out to so we can get your daughter some nice shoes to run in and also teach her a good lesson in how there is good in people and how it makes people feel good to help?

Matt, that is really nice of you.  Thank you.  I wouldn't want to take advantage of any one's kindness here. 

I'm just upset about being lead to believe that the price of the program included shoes when it does not.  I am also bothered that the students that did not pay for the program would be the ones to receive shoes first.   It's not that I was relying on the program to provide shoes for her.  I just don't like the socialist way of thinking that seems to leak into every aspect of life.    It angered me but I'm over it now. 

Morgan actually came home with a pair of shoes yesterday that her running coach gave her.  She said that they were too big for her and thought Morgan might be able to use them.  I feel a little guilty about it all now.  I didn't mean to make them think that Morgan was in desperate need of shoes and that I was unable to buy them for her.  I feel like I should pay for the things I am capable of paying for.   It really was just the principle of it all.

Thanks again for the kind gesture, Matt.  And to all of you that listened to my whining about the "unfairness of the world!"

Hugs,

Jeannie

You didn't whine!  You exposed an outrage that needed exposure.  I have heard nothing from either email I sent, nor did I expect to, but I've just bought my last pair of New Balance shoes, and my family will buy none either.

Jerry

Shit. My new favorite pair of all-around shoes for work and play are New Balance. I've worn these shoes for a year and a half, and they're close to being done. I'll be looking for a new brand - I will not support political correctness gone wrong with my consumer dollars.

You know, that's funny.  My last two pairs of tennis shoes were New Balance.  When I went to buy walking shoes (technically, we can't wear tennis shoes at work), couldn't find a black pair, so I went with Nike (paid less too!).

You guys are the greatest.  [smiley=hug.gif]

We're an Adidas and Avia family ourselves. 8-)

me? RUN?!!  ;D I have yet to master walking without holding on to the floor!