Rjmakmom Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 someone entered you into a contest to receive a sizeable amount of money to be used for school supplies/curriculum/related items...and you won?!? And by sizeable, I mean $800 in store credit and $500 in cash. Would you use it all for yourself, split it with the person who entered your name, or just ask if there is anything the person needs ordered? What is the fair/appropriate thing to do here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzymom Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I would offer to split it. The other person then has the option of sharing it, or declining if they don't feel they need it. And WooHoo! Congratulations!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I would definitely offer to split it, and if they denied it, I would use the money to buy them something I knew they really wanted but would not buy for themselves to say thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjmakmom Posted August 9, 2011 Author Share Posted August 9, 2011 I was the one who entered the other person...not the one getting all the money, unfortunately. I was just curious as to what everyone feels is appropriate. I know I would insist on splitting it down the middle, but that's just me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I think you are taxed on winnings like this. I would look into it before I took the supplies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 First I would do a happy dance. Then I would look into taxes. Then I would offer to split what didn't have to be set aside to cover taxes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjmakmom Posted August 9, 2011 Author Share Posted August 9, 2011 No taxes...the $800 is store credit to Rainbow Resource. The additional $500 is a check. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I'd definitely offer to split it. I sure wish I were the friend, lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I don't know, did you enter your name as well? If they won and I didn't and I entered their name, I would not feel like they owed me. It might be nice if they offered to order me something, but I wouldn't be bent out of shape if they didn't. That is a large amount and if I were running the contest the amount would have been split between entrant and the person who entered their name. That would make it a win/win for everyone. Otherwise sounds like like a set up for hurt feelings. ETA: I would bet they'll get issued something like a 1099 (I think it's a different one for contest winnings) at the end of the year and need to claim it on their taxes. Whoever sponsored the contest will use that amount as part of their advertising money and write it off on their taxes I'm sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjmakmom Posted August 9, 2011 Author Share Posted August 9, 2011 It was more of a need-based award, then an actual contest. I submitted her name, as they have been having financial difficulties. I am in a very similar financial situation, but did not feel it was right to submit my own name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I don't think I am understanding this contest. Did you have the option of entering your own name and didn't? I think the person who wins is the winner. He/She can do whatever they wish with the winnings. That is, unless you had some agreement saying, "Hey, if either of us wins, let's split the winnings, that would double our chances." Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialmama Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 If I won, I'd insist on splitting. If I entered a friend's name and they won, I'd be happy for them and accept a coffee as thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silliness7 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 It was more of a need-based award, then an actual contest. I submitted her name, as they have been having financial difficulties. I am in a very similar financial situation, but did not feel it was right to submit my own name. Does your friend know you are in a similar situation? Is there any possibility she thinks you're fine and your school books are set for the coming year? If she doesn't, I'm not sure how you would tell her. If she does and isn't offering to share the windfall then I think that is terribly tacky. Did you tell her about the contest when you entered her? "Hey, if you win could you order my math books?" I don't know. That just stinks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 How wonderful of you to enter her name. What a great friend you are! I wouldn't expect her to split it and I wouldn't feel bad or hold it against her if she doesn't split it. It is a gift to her and it shouldn't have any strings attached, whether spoken or unspoken. It may not even occur to her that you have needs too and I would most definitely not mention it now that she has this gift, it would be awkward. A true friendship is more important than any amount of money. Let it go, don't think another thing about it unless she offers you part of the credit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I would offer to split it. The other person then has the option of sharing it, or declining if they don't feel they need it. And WooHoo! Congratulations!! :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I was the one who entered the other person...not the one getting all the money, unfortunately. I was just curious as to what everyone feels is appropriate. I know I would insist on splitting it down the middle, but that's just me... oops I should have read further before replying. In this case I would just be happy they won. Did you put their name in expecting a portion of the prize if they won? I think I would just celebrate with them and feel good that you entered their name and gave them this chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emzhengjiu Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 (edited) If I understand correctly, this was not a contest but rather a needs based sharing of Rainbow Resource's July profits. Nominations were taken for homeschool families in financial need. Rainbow Resource selected your friend based on her family's financial situation, not yours. The award belongs to your friend and should be used as Rainbow Resource expects. To me this is similar to a donation for charity. I expect my donation to a charity to be used as designated. ETA: I'm impressed that Rainbow Resource is helping struggling homeschooling families! Ann Edited August 9, 2011 by emzhengjiu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 It was more of a need-based award, then an actual contest. I submitted her name, as they have been having financial difficulties. I am in a very similar financial situation, but did not feel it was right to submit my own name. In a situation like this, it would not occur to me that the person who entered my name would be in need themselves. So, no, it probably would not occur to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liza Lee Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 In a situation like this, it would not occur to me that the person who entered my name would be in need themselves. So, no, it probably would not occur to me. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4wildberrys Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 How wonderful of you to enter her name. What a great friend you are! I wouldn't expect her to split it and I wouldn't feel bad or hold it against her if she doesn't split it. It is a gift to her and it shouldn't have any strings attached, whether spoken or unspoken. It may not even occur to her that you have needs too and I would most definitely not mention it now that she has this gift, it would be awkward. A true friendship is more important than any amount of money. Let it go, don't think another thing about it unless she offers you part of the credit! :iagree: Unless she knew you entered her name and you 2 agreed to split it if one of you won....be happy for her :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 In a situation like this, it would not occur to me that the person who entered my name would be in need themselves. So, no, it probably would not occur to me. :iagree: I would take the person to lunch using part of the $500 to thank him/her but it wouldn't occur to me that the individual who entered my name expected a split of the prize IYKWIM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjmakmom Posted August 9, 2011 Author Share Posted August 9, 2011 Ok, sounds like everyone is on the same page as me. She did ask me if there was anything I needed, and while there absolutely is, I told her no, that was her money given to her to use for her kids, and thanked her for the offer. Thanks for the input! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Um, I would cry and wish it was me.....oh wait, that's me now, lol. I would be insanely jealous, but not expect a thing from her :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 It was more of a need-based award, then an actual contest. I submitted her name, as they have been having financial difficulties. I am in a very similar financial situation, but did not feel it was right to submit my own name. In that case I think you should just let it go. You were doing her a favor. It is like buying scratch off tickets as a gift. You wouldn't expect the gift recipient to split his gift with you if he won would you? It is just luck of the draw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAMom Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Ok, sounds like everyone is on the same page as me. She did ask me if there was anything I needed, and while there absolutely is, I told her no, that was her money given to her to use for her kids, and thanked her for the offer. Thanks for the input! :grouphug::grouphug:You are very kind and generous.:grouphug::grouphug: I wonder why everyone jumped to the conclusion that the OP was expecting a cut of the prize money and encouraging her to let it go? No benefit of the doubt, huh?;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cortana Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Ok, sounds like everyone is on the same page as me. She did ask me if there was anything I needed, and while there absolutely is, I told her no, that was her money given to her to use for her kids, and thanked her for the offer. Thanks for the input! You are an awesome friend to do that for her and it was super sweet of her to offer to help you in return. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I don't think I am understanding this contest. Did you have the option of entering your own name and didn't? I think the person who wins is the winner. He/She can do whatever they wish with the winnings. That is, unless you had some agreement saying, "Hey, if either of us wins, let's split the winnings, that would double our chances." Dawn :iagree: If I won, I'd insist on splitting. If I entered a friend's name and they won, I'd be happy for them and accept a coffee as thanks. :iagree: Next time, submit your own name if you have a need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 :grouphug::grouphug:You are very kind and generous.:grouphug::grouphug: I wonder why everyone jumped to the conclusion that the OP was expecting a cut of the prize money and encouraging her to let it go? No benefit of the doubt, huh?;) Probably because she said she would insist on splitting it if it happened to her. It made it sound like she expected the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I think the recipient probably doesn't realize you have the same need. She probably assumes if you did, you would have entered yourself. I don't think there is anything wrong with letting her order something for you if she offers. That is a lot of money for homeschool materials. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAMom Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Probably because she said she would insist on splitting it if it happened to her. It made it sound like she expected the same. Could be.:) However, I would often insist on things that I wouldn't expect in return. Just for instance: we just hosted a family for 9 days in our guest house. If I were staying in someone's space, there are certain things I would insist on doing. But, I did not expect anything from them. We were offering our home purely because we wanted to share it. I did not have a single expectation. They gave us a lovely box of chocolates and a card when they left. When I opened the card later, it had a generous cash gift and lovely words of thanks inside. Later, when I went out to strip the bed and wash towels in the guest house, I found that the entire place was just as clean or cleaner than it was when they arrived. The sheets were washed, the bathroom scrubbed, the towels washed-dried-folded and put away, etc. What a joy! I loved hosting them because they were fantastic people and I enjoyed getting to know a family I'd never met but their surprise cleaning and gift were such a blessing to me! So, even though I would have insisted on doing something similar, I would not have given it a second thought if they hadn't have done what they did.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I was the one who entered the other person...not the one getting all the money, unfortunately. I was just curious as to what everyone feels is appropriate. I know I would insist on splitting it down the middle, but that's just me... You did a really kind thing for a friend. I wouldn't expect her to share. It would be nice, but you did it because you knew she needed help, not because you thought she would split it if she won, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoObvious Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 If I understand correctly, this was not a contest but rather a needs based sharing of Rainbow Resource's July profits. Nominations were taken for homeschool families in financial need. Rainbow Resource selected your friend based on her family's financial situation, not yours. The award belongs to your friend and should be used as Rainbow Resource expects. To me this is similar to a donation for charity. I expect my donation to a charity to be used as designated. ETA: I'm impressed that Rainbow Resource is helping struggling homeschooling families! Ann Exactly. You did a nice thing and I'd leave it alone. The whole point was that she needed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 If I won, I'd want to split the prize and feel badly if my friend refused. If my friend had won, there would be no question of her sharing because she wouldn't know I'd entered her. Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjmakmom Posted August 10, 2011 Author Share Posted August 10, 2011 If I won, I'd want to split the prize and feel badly if my friend refused. If my friend had won, there would be no question of her sharing because she wouldn't know I'd entered her. Rosie This wasn't an option. I would have preferred she not know who entered her, but I had to provide my name, as well as contact info for her Pastor, or an objective 3rd party to verify the need. They told her who it was who entered her. As for me expecting her to share it, I never did. Neither of us had any idea the amount would be so high, but that doesn't change the fact that I never had any expectaions on splitting it. Just wanted to put that out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 This wasn't an option. I would have preferred she not know who entered her, but I had to provide my name, as well as contact info for her Pastor, or an objective 3rd party to verify the need. They told her who it was who entered her. I'd be grumpy about that. But then I am a Capricorn with privacy issues. :tongue_smilie: Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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