We all know how expensive the surgeries are, and how tough the economy is. I over heard my gf and a friend of ours talking trying to figure out how I can afford my surgeries, and they are talking about a fund raiser or something. Im wondering if that could actualy be a possibility or if its too far out there, I mean to me it sounds like an idea but it may be too much to ask. I was just curious if any other guys have found ways to afford their surgeries by using a fund raiser, instead of the traditional change jar method or savings account.

Maybe you can throw a benefit party and set up donation sites and have a raffle ticket game where everyone pays $5 for a chance to win 100 for first place, $50 for second $25 for third $10 for fourth or however you would want to do it.  You would need the invesment at first but after you made it back the money which you made after that count it towards your surgery.  It would all be going to a good cause win or lose but you would need a lot of people to attend to make it worth while.

I say go for it.  If you are active in the queer community or have any friends who do drag or some other entertainment see if they would be willing to volunteer their services, get some kegs or whatever, food, etc.  Calculate the costs of all that and add extra to that to charge at the door, also have a donation bucket set up at the place.

I like the idea of a raffle too.  You could potentially make more off of that than a benefit.

What I don't suggest is making a chipin account and begging on trans sites for money like I see so many people doing on FYFTMs.  It's in bad taste if you ask me.   I think a method that gives something in return for the money is the best way to go about it, like raffles and benefit shows do.

I didn't use a fund-raiser, but I know of a couple people that have.  I don't think they were able to get all their funds that way though.  Some "non-traditional" ways of getting the money include selling stuff you no longer want, selling things you've made, using "ChipIn", getting a loan (medical, student, etc), benefit parties or raffles like Malachite suggested.  I'm sure there are other ways as well.

Quote from: Andy8715 on January 16, 2012, 12:15:56 PM
What I don't suggest is making a chipin account and begging on trans sites for money like I see so many people doing on FYFTMs.  It's in bad taste if you ask me.   I think something that is giving something in return for the money is the best way to go about it, like raffles and benefit shows do.

I see what you mean here.  I also think begging is in poor taste, especially among people who are typically in the same boat.  But using it on other sites could be helpful.  Depending on how "out" the person is, sending the link to family and friends, sharing it on facebook or other social networking sites, and/or posting it on a blog could all be valid options. 

Quote from: Adio on January 16, 2012, 12:16:25 PM
I didn't use a fund-raiser, but I know of a couple people that have.  I don't think they were able to get all their funds that way though.  Some "non-traditional" ways of getting the money include selling stuff you no longer want, selling things you've made, using "ChipIn", getting a loan (medical, student, etc), benefit parties or raffles like Malachite suggested.  I'm sure there are other ways as well.

I see what you mean here.  I also think begging is in poor taste, especially among people who are typically in the same boat.  But using it on other sites could be helpful.  Depending on how "out" the person is, sending the link to family and friends, sharing it on facebook or other social networking sites, and/or posting it on a blog could all be valid options.

Craigslist is a good way for raise the money.  No fees and you can clear up more space while earning cash.  I've also made $153 on there and that is going to go to top surgery. You can even check the free section and try to resale some of those items. Selling your blood or bone marrow could help.  Recycling cans and whatnot can even contribute a little bit if you have a lot.

Maybe this video will help.  This guy has a group that talks about raising money for surgeries that you may want to join.

If you have a supportive community or are a part of any trans*/queer groups, the benefit party and raffle sounds like a great idea. I've heard of a trans* person who raised much of their top surgery money that way.

Other methods include crafting or doing some kind of service. Even if someone offers a donation to your savings, you can make them a thank you card or something. This is opposed to using "ChipIn" and only asking for money without giving something positive back.

I've sold some spare things on eBay (Craigslist is better for no fees) and that helped me. If you have extra junk lying around or need to clear clutter, this could be a good option.

Treeboi also posted about how he funded part of his surgery from things he found on the ground, in bins, etc. It's an alternative to the traditional ways you hear about. (link)

I've been going through things of mine to sell, and have found a ton of old games, gaming systems, toys, etc that hold some value. So I set up a ChipIn with sales and raffles of the items, because eBay has some pretty high fees that I don't want to deal with. I also take cheap art commissions and am preparing to sell all my fine gold/sterling silver jewelry I got as gifts('cause hey, I'll never wear it, I might as well make use of it) in order to make a little extra cash because I don't currently have a stable job.

Go through all your old stuff and see what you can part with, you'll be surprised at what you might find. If you have an ability, offer services such as art commissions, essay corrections, subject tutoring, lawn services, child/pet care, etc. The money from odd jobs and sales can really add up.

Top surgery can range from $5,000 to maybe $10,000 without including costs like travel and hotel. There is the Jim Collins fund, but I don't know if they're accepting any more applications. You can sell things you have and don't need, buy and sell collectables found at garage sales, open a savings account and if you have a job put away part of each check into the savings account and don't touch it.

I've even started a jar in my room marked "chest surgery" which I started in December and I add my spare change into it whenever I can. I've already got about $40 in coins alone so far and my girlfriend dumps her change in there and so does my Mum and her boyfriend. I'm also doing a bit of cleaning, selling some of my clothes I don't wear that are in good condition, old video games, collectibles, I'm even in the middle of drawing a design to sell to a family friend for a fair few dollars. Be creative! I have seen many people make great use of a ChipIn account like others have mentioned already too.

You guys might want to check out fiverr.com. People pay $5 to have you do all kinds of odd stuff. Here's some of the listings on there right now:

http://fiverr.com/uncandiedvalley/record-a-patrick-stewart-monologue-of-your-choice

http://fiverr.com/chicakak/write-and-draw-everything-on-my-face-or-belly

http://fiverr.com/romie/spray-your-message-or-logo-on-the-moon-and-capture-video-while-flying-past-it

Those are all really good ideas, I do have a bunch of stuff I need to get rid of it will also help beciause I'm trying to move. I also have a change jar going, I've been putting change in it for quite some time but of course as everyone knows its slow going. It kind of sucks that it costs so much for one to be able to be who they want and need to be. Hopefully I can sell enough stuff to make a dent in my money saving, I'm trying to stay positive and I do realize it will take time.

Quote from: jacobRX8 on January 17, 2012, 03:45:32 PM
Those are all really good ideas, I do have a bunch of stuff I need to get rid of it will also help beciause I'm trying to move. I also have a change jar going, I've been putting change in it for quite some time but of course as everyone knows its slow going. It kind of sucks that it costs so much for one to be able to be who they want and need to be. Hopefully I can sell enough stuff to make a dent in my money saving, I'm trying to stay positive and I do realize it will take time.

I agree that it sucks to pay so much just for "freedom" as I call it but its great that you are having a positive attitude.  It makes saving a little bit more fun.  If you are out and about walking it doesn't hurt to search for any loose change you may find on the ground.  I did that today and now I'm 2 cents closer to my goal.  It helps both the enviroment and your pocket.