The Future of The Griswald Trophy

JenskiJen · **Posts:** 2822 **Signal Origin:** Melbourne, Australia

The Griswald is a brass apple trophy (named after the apple grenades) which has been awarded to the city who has raised the most money each year, in recognition of their achievement. It is inscribed "No power in the 'verse can stop us".

It was first awarded in 2006 to Portland (who raised $7,280.58), then in 2007 to Portland (who raised $10,000). In 2008 it was awarded to Austin (who raised $10,883.40), and in 2009 it was retained by Austin (who raised $19,632.82).

Now in our fifth year, we are asking you what happens going forward. Do we still need trophy as an incentive to raise money for Equality Now? Do we want to continue this tradition? Or would it be more fitting to add a plaque with our 5 year donation total and present it to Equality Now?

Please add your voice below and vote in the poll. All registered CSTS Forum users can vote, and you can vote once only. The poll will end in 30 days.

Traevynn · **Posted:** Wed Sep 08, 2010 5:30 am

"Winning" the Griswald has never been a motivating factor for our crew in raising as much money as we can for Equality Now. Glad to see that other cities can utilize auctions and other means to collect large quantities of cash for EN but knowing who gets to keep the Griswald isn't really on our radar.
Maybe it could go to the city who brings in the least amount as a symbol of doing their best against the odds.

Rusty · **Posts:** 229 **Signal Origin:** Oregon

I love that idea, Traevyn. My concern is that it hasn't been promoted at all this year, and I don't think a new GO would want to add that to their already extensive responsibilities.

cbglacier · **Posts:** 297 **Signal Origin:** Portland, OR

I would like to update the plaque and then finish it off with something like "$500,000+ in 5 years" for Equality Now.

I don't feel the "competition" enhances efforts or donations, I like that we are just fans who came together to do something good, that turned into something great
It's wonderful that some groups have become NPOs and are continuing their efforts outside of CSTS screenings and for other charities.
Every organiser puts their time, money, effort, heart & soul into the screenings and every $ counts toward the total and the good works, I'm honoured to have been a small part the previous 4 years let alone this year and the future

Lioness · **Posts:** 2430 **Signal Origin:** Toronto

Not all cities have been able to raise a lot of money yet work just as hard, so I've always felt it was an odd award.

samatwitch · **Posts:** 766 **Signal Origin:** Vancouver, BC

I've never even thought about it, because I knew we would never be in the running, but as long as the event went well, people had fun and we raised money, I considered our event (and anyone else's) a success.

haldira · **Posts:** 623 **Signal Origin:** Austin,TX

While I think it's a fun tradition to send the apple around, I know EN would love the gesture. I'm all for sending it their way.

It is showing its age a bit now, though. We could also make them something new, perhaps?

Let me know if you'd like me to get the apple cleaned prior to sending it your way.

JenskiJen · **Posts:** 2822 **Signal Origin:** Melbourne, Australia

Thanks for the offer, Haldira. We'll wait and see what the outcome of the poll is and then let you know.

cbglacier · **Posts:** 297 **Signal Origin:** Portland, OR

cbglacier · **Posts:** 297 **Signal Origin:** Portland, OR

just follow up;
Beth/Haldira gave me the Griswald (an engraved brass apple) at Creation's TriCon this weekend,
I'll be getting cleaned up, the engraving updated to reflect Austin's winning for 2008-2010
& some sort of stand & plate reflecting the five years of donations to EN, so not until this year is finalised
take pictures for CSTS (& Austin) & send it off to Equality Now

Rusty · **Posts:** 229 **Signal Origin:** Oregon

That's awesome, Christine! I wish we could be in new York to present it to EN directly.

haldira · **Posts:** 623 **Signal Origin:** Austin,TX

JenskiJen · **Posts:** 2822 **Signal Origin:** Melbourne, Australia

Great idea, haldira. Once it's finalise, we'll work with the Browncoats of NYC and Equality Now. Hopefully, we'll get a film crew out there too to capture the moment.

haldira · **Posts:** 623 **Signal Origin:** Austin,TX

cbglacier · **Posts:** 297 **Signal Origin:** Portland, OR

here are the pictures of the griswald in its current state

one side is engraved 'NO POWER IN THE VERSE CAN STOP US'
the other side is engraved 'PORTLAND 2006-2007

both engravings are pretty simple, it would be easy to have 'AUSTIN 2008-2010' added just below portland & then purchase a stand with a plaque with something like "$500,000 (real amount though) in five years"

we could look into having it buffed & re-engraved alittle fancier, more browncoat-y font

I'll leave it to the GSC to make polls for you all to decide

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