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MarsCon has been hosting charity auctions and food/clothing drives since we began—14 years ago! Through the generous contributions of attendees, we have been able to help Camp Heartland, the Alzheimer’s Association, Kids Need to Read, Twin Cities Second Harvest Heartland, Family Circuits, the Gordy Dickson Memorial Scholarship Fund, and Standing Rock Reservation. Charities need our help now more than ever.
The charity auction will be held on Saturday, March 10th, 10:00 AM on the Main Stage, located in Jonathan/McIntosh, 2nd floor. Auction items will be available for viewing at 9:30 AM, and silent bids will be accepted at that time. MarsCon 2012 charity auction proceeds will be split evenly between the Gordy Dickson Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.
The Gordy Dickson Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2002 for three purposes: (1) To honor Gordy Dickson, local fan and science fiction and fantasy pro writer who died in 2001. (2) To collect money to send potential new writers to the Clarion Workshop for SF and fantasy writers or some other workshop. Gordy always encouraged new writers. (3) To promote accord in Twin Cities fandom by having a project that various fan clubs and individual fans can work on together. For further news and information about the fund, see sffan.org/gdmf.
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been assisting veterans for over 21 years, helping over 5,500 veterans and their families. It is estimated that 1% of the veterans in this state, or close to 4,100, will experience an episode of homelessness this year. MACV is there to assist. Many homeless and veterans’ organizations recognize MACV’s transitional and permanent housing programs as a model for the nation. FFI see www.mac-v.org/.
Donate cool stuff for the charity auction! It’s not too late! Surely you have a book, toy, service or other treasure that another fan would appreciate. Drop it off at the Operations desk before 9:30 AM on Saturday, and we’ll auction it off for you. Ops is located in the Beacon Room, 2nd floor, close to the elevators.
Participate in the charity auction! Bring your money, and bid on things. Sunday, March 10th, 10:00 AM Main Stage. Be there. Remember you are helping two worthwhile causes.
Volunteer! You can help with setting up the charity auction. We will need runners and tabulators during the auction. Volunteers are also needed to keep track of party nominations and update the giving chart. After the convention, we will need drivers to transport food drive donations to Second Harvest. Please help make our charitable endeavors a huge success. Thank you for your continued generosity!
Contribute to the food drive! In addition to the charity auction, we are encouraging convention attendees to contribute to a food drive throughout the weekend. Bring non-perishable items such as canned or boxed food, hygiene products and cleaning supplies to the Operations desk during the convention. Donations will go directly to Twin Cities’ Second Harvest Heartland. For more information about Second Harvest Heartland, visit www.2harvest.org or call 651-484-5117.
Food drive party contest! Each non-perishable item you donate to food drive counts as one vote for the party of your choice, and you vote as often as you like. We’ll post a giving chart by Registration you can keep track of how well your favorite party is doing, and possibly rush out to buy more cans/items to stuff the ballot box. Voting closes at 10am Sunday, and we’ll announce the winning party at Closing Ceremonies. Make sure to include a slip of paper with your donations specifying your nomination for best party.
If you are planning to host additional charitable activities or events at MarsCon, we would be happy to list them in our program as well. You may contact us via e-mail: info. Thank you for your generosity!
MarsCon 2012
March 9-11, 2012
Crowne Plaza Hotel and Suites
(Same hotel, different name)
3 Appletree Square
Bloomington, MN 55425
Questions about MarsCon: info
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If you are searching for the Marscon in Williamsburg, VA click here. They are worried about a 2012 Apocalypse too.
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