It is a lot easier to get people motivated and interested in a cause when you have an original idea and those involved are doing something they enjoy. Having a drink-a-thon is a unique way to get people motivated to go out an get donations. If we can use a night of drinking and spending time with friends to benefit those who have lost everything to the hurricane, then frankly, we don't see anything wrong with that.

In times of tragedy and need, Americans pitch in when and where they can. Texans provided shelter for many of the evacuees. Papa John's Pizza cooked countless pizzas for the hungry. Movie stars and musicians got on TV and raised money. Children sold lemonade. We are a group of 20-something-year-old professionals from Denver, Colorado who were deeply moved to help those in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. And we thought this unique fundraiser would be a great way to get people's attention and raise some money, and hopefully give people who may have not had the chance to donate money to Katrina relief or to help out, the opportunity to do so.

We understand that to many it may seem strange to use alcohol to raise money. But if having a drink-a-thon can benefit others, then we are all for doing it.

We have addressed these concerns with the rules we have written for the drink-a-thon. All of the drinkers participating are close friends who have known each other for a very long time. We are all very responsible drinkers who know that our personal safety is the first priority.

In order to ensure that nobody gets caught up in the moment, we will also have several "sober spotters" accompanying us to make sure no one over does it or puts their own safety at risk.

Awesome! That's exactly what were are trying to get people to do. If you are uncomfortable sponsoring the drink-a-thon or giving a lump sum, we highly encourage you to make a donation directly to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Fund at www.denver-redcross.com.

We are having the drink-a-thon to hopefully reach some people who have wanted to help the Katrina victims but haven't had the chance yet. Whether you give to the Red Cross through the drink-a-thon or give directly to the Red Cross, please just give what you can.

Well... you don't. It seems the American Red Cross doesn't want to recognize our fundraiser because it involves alcohol. While that frustrates us, the important thing is to get money to the people that need it in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.

If you don't believe that we intend to give 100% the money we raise directly and promptly to the American Red Cross, then please, donate directly to them at their Web site.

100%.

None of the donated money will be used to purchase alcohol. All of the other overhead costs (i.e. web site, t-shirts, etc…) for this fundraiser are being donated by the participants so that all of the money raised can be given directly the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.

No way! We will have several "sober spotters" with us to monitor how much everyone is drinking so no one gets sick, to count the number of drinks everyone has consumed for the pledges, and to make sure everyone gets home safely. Safety, both in drinking and then driving home, is our highest priority.

Of course. The people of Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana need our help regardless of whether you make a pledge or a lump sum donation. Please give whatever you are comfortable with.

It makes no difference if you pledge $1.00, $5.00, $20.00, etc. a drink. Please give only what you are comfortable with and can afford to give. Our goal is to raise $10,000 so it doesn’t matter if you want to pledge a penny a drink or $50 a drink.

You can encourage others to make a pledge or donation. Often times people just need the opportunity to present itself in order to help, you might just be that opportunity.

That isn't a question, and this is the "Questions" page. If you have a comment or any further questions, head over to the Contact Us page.