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Camilla (through Janet although I don't quite understand the tricky logistics): Ivan is absolutely correct. He did not ask for the money. I know that absolutely because it was I who started the appeal a few days ago. I don't understand why a gift( which can't by any stretch that I'm aware of), should be characterized as income by anyone, especially if the donors are not claiming any kind ofcharitable deduction for the gift. Taking the thought to the absurd, does Ivan have to suffer a reduction in his assistance based in the value of his birthday or Christmas presents? What about the value of Pro Bono legal advice? I think the absurdity of the thought begins to show through the examples. My check is in the mail(as they say) and I would suggest that anyone else thinking of contributing do the same until someone who knows the correct answer (Ivan perhaps?) posts it to the list. If Ivan, then it would also be helpful to address camilla's comment about the 80% reduction in taxes since Camilla mentions it in her firsr post but not the second in reporting her telephone conversation. Ervi's suggestion about the method of transmitting the money would be more difficult to implement since it would require that anet first deposit the checks (with all the headaches of exchange) and then make out her own. It would affect the quantity of money available and also be a hassle for Janet. I made the suggestion out of compassion, hoping that enough people would feel the same way, forward the money to Janet who would forward it to Ivan at the appropriate time IF AND WHEN HE WANTED IT. I'm certainly not trying to impose my will on anyone and If the whole idea goes sour, I'm sorry. I am somewhat of a type A personality but one would have to be George Patton multiplied by Rudy Giuliani to controlthevaried personalities on the list. Happy thanksgiving Paul H. Lauer