I have worked at my new job 5 months and discovered there is high turnover in this dept because of a clique of 5 people (out of 9). The “ringleader” is an older woman who apparently has to have a target for the clique to dislike. The current target is me, the new person (I don’t care as long as they don’t interfer with my job performance). One of the 5–a student worker–is graduating college and leaving. Not once has she assisted or spoken to me, even when asked and spoken to, but I have heard her make disparaging remarks about me (HR acknowledges there is a problem but since the dept manager takes no action, feels their hands are tied and just keeps transferring people wanting out or accepting resignations.) The dept is taking a monetary collection for a present for this young woman, signing a card, and taking her to lunch. My inclination is to say “No, thanks.” But should I participate just to go along and be a “team player” and not “rock the boat”?

I have a friend/hero who enjoyed hell so much, she’s taking a second trip! cafepress dot com fwd slash helpshellyan

Anyhow, I’m doing the great friend thing and I’ve reserved a nice big boat, with fabulous food and entertainment, we’ve got items autographed from all over the sports world to auction off and we’re setting sail in late October for the night of her LIFE!

I even have a guy at the newspaper to write an article to help us sell these tix. The print vendor is in line and EVERYBODY is donating their efforts!

Then it hit me,.will the feds haunt us in April? Can the already taxed out of pocket donations be subject to additional tax for a dinner auction fundraiser?

I read briefly about Non-Profit Orgs and whatnot but this seems like a ridiculous expectation if I’m doing this as a one night help a friend gesture.

But, I’d never forgive myself if we raised 40k that night and every penny got spent on her meds and the feds came knocking on her door for 10k in April?

Wikimedia is currently taking donations in a drive to raise what looks like $1 Million. I think it is a great cause, but want to be sure my money won’t go to buying someone a boat, or toga party.