The TPCUG needs a video projector desperately and as quickly as possible. I’ve started a drive to collect funds to buy one. We need to raise $3,000 to $4,500.

Anyone who’s been at the meetings lately knows of the failures we’ve had with the projector we’re using at MOSI. It’s just VGA resolution, and it’s increasingly becoming incompatible with speakers’ notebooks. And more than once – it didn’t work at all when we needed it.

I feel very strongly that the future of our club depends on owning our own projector. We must attract good presenters to continue and to attract new members, and some of the very good ones depend on our having the facilities. But it’s not just the projector that’s critical, it’s also the room where we hold the meetings. We hold three meetings a month: the regular meeting and two SIGs. A portable projector gives us far more flexibility to use different rooms and different locations.

The fund was announced at the meeting last month, and so far we have $215 in four donations. I’d like to set a goal of ten donations at $100 each, and the remainder with $25 to $50 amounts. Remember that we’re a 501-C3 non-profit corporation. So what you’ll get in return is a letter of thanks – by way of a receipt to show the Tax Man and, if you wish, recognition in the newsletter. The recognition is optional, of course.

I’m optimistic that we can do this. It’s unusual for the TPCUG to raise the money this way, but it’s an extraordinary need. And anyone in the group who’s participated in the search for a new meeting location will tell you our options are very, very limited without a projector.

Please don’t take this as a desire to vacate MOSI ! We have an excellent relationship with MOSI, and we’ll continue as long as they can accommodate us. They do have other rooms that may be more suitable than the computer lab. But we can’t do anything at all without a projector!

Think of all the time you have invested in the club. Hasn’t it paid back to you in value exceeding $100? It certainly has for me. Give it some thought will you? Make a check made out to Tampa PC Users Group right away. You can contact me:

Email: merlenic@tampabay.rr.com

Tel daytimes: (813) 225-5227

Tel evenings & weekends (813) 879-3602

Or contact any officer. u