TIGHAR Legal Defense Fund

Monty Fowler · October 05, 2013, 06:43:52 AM

So what happens next? I'm not up on my federal trial procedures - which won't matter for awhile anyway because the federal courts are going to run out of money to operate next week.

Does the other side appeal the ruling favorable to TIGHAR, or do things just proceed on the remaining allegations. Either way, with this federal shutdown, it's gonna be awhile. :(

LTM, who doesn't like tennis matches,
Monty Fowler, TIGHAR No. 2189 CER

Jeff Palshook · October 05, 2013, 07:43:02 AM

Ric,

On September 19 you first posted the news that TIGHAR needs to raise $15,000 in the next 30 days to meet daily operating expenses and legal expenses associated with Tim Mellon's lawsuit. The 30 day deadline is now only two weeks away. You haven't given an update in a while on the fundraising efforts to meet that $15K target. How is the fundraising currently going? What is the current total? Are "bad things", as you put it, still possible or probable come October 19 if the $15K is not raised by then?

Thanks,

Jeff P.

Ric Gillespie · October 05, 2013, 08:07:09 AM

Quote from: Jeff Palshook on October 05, 2013, 07:43:02 AM
On September 19 you first posted the news that TIGHAR needs to raise $15,000 in the next 30 days to meet daily operating expenses and legal expenses associated with Tim Mellon's lawsuit. The 30 day deadline is now only two weeks away. You haven't given an update in a while on the fundraising efforts to meet that $15K target. How is the fundraising currently going? What is the current total? Are "bad things", as you put it, still possible or probable come October 19 if the $15K is not raised by then?

Sorry. I've been finalizing plans for Niku VIII.
Forum and TIGHAR member response to our funding appeal has been very gratifying. We're presently within about $2,000 of meeting the $15,000 goal by October 19. We're gonna be fine, but of course the bills don't stop coming and the fund raising must continue. I'm sure everybody would rather help support the next expedition than defend a senseless lawsuit. There's still work that must be done to bury the remains of the lawsuit but I'm really excited about the plan we've put together for Niku VIII. I'll have that ready to show everyone soon.

George Lam · October 05, 2013, 03:58:24 PM

Speaking of which, anyone who wants to help fund the next voyage can post to this thread I created (link below). Not as many hits as I hoped within the last week but can't rush things.

Niku 2014 fund thread here

Jeff Lange · October 06, 2013, 07:00:31 AM

Just dropped a check in the mail Friday for the defense fund Ric. Keep up the good work!

Ric Gillespie · October 06, 2013, 11:23:25 AM

Quote from: Jeff Lange on October 06, 2013, 07:00:31 AM
Just dropped a check in the mail Friday for the defense fund Ric. Keep up the good work!

Thank you Jeff.

Ted G Campbell · October 06, 2013, 08:48:47 PM

Ric,
Where do we stand re the cost of defence?
Ted

Ric Gillespie · October 06, 2013, 09:16:22 PM

Quote from: Ted G Campbell on October 06, 2013, 08:48:47 PM
Where do we stand re the cost of defence?

So far the defense of this case has cost $19,000 - a fraction of what it would be had not much of it been done pro bono - and a bargain for the excellent results so far, but the bills must still be paid.

Monty Fowler · October 11, 2013, 06:13:43 PM

Well ... I know TIGHAR needs the money now. I plan to do what my financial resources can support. This is a fight we are well on the way to willing.

LTM,
Monty Fowler, TIGHAR No. 2189 CER

Tim Mellon · October 11, 2013, 06:27:13 PM

Quote from: Monty Fowler on October 11, 2013, 06:13:43 PM
This is a fight we are well on the way to willing.

LTM,
Monty Fowler, TIGHAR No. 2189 CER

Willing doesn't hack it, Monty. It's winning that counts.

Nancy Marilyn Gould · October 11, 2013, 07:10:35 PM

One thing I'm confused about is: Doesn't an organization like Tighar have insurance? It seems to me that, in this day and age, any organization is in danger of being sued, so wouldn't insurance be a necessity? I, myself, carry umbrella insurance. Of course, I don't know if that insurance would cover the cost of the legal fees. It almost sounds like you have to be rich to be able to defend yourself in this great country of ours. Say it ain't true!

richie conroy · October 11, 2013, 07:22:37 PM

Willing to fight your lawsuit too the end is what will win

However no one win's in this case do they, It's just lessons learned an no doubt Tighar will continue to operate as they did before you contributed and after your refund claim was halted.

What is the difference between donating and contributing in america

Ric Gillespie · October 11, 2013, 08:25:54 PM

Quote from: richie conroy on October 11, 2013, 07:22:37 PM
What is the difference between donating and contributing in america

There is no difference. The two words mean essentially the same thing.

Greg Daspit · October 11, 2013, 08:48:35 PM

Quote from: richie conroy on October 11, 2013, 07:22:37 PM
Willing to fight your lawsuit too the end is what will win

However no one win's in this case do they, It's just lessons learned an no doubt Tighar will continue to operate as they did before you contributed and after your refund claim was halted.

What is the difference between donating and contributing in america

The lawsuit asks for "Treble Damages". Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Tim asking for 3 times more than a "refund"?

Ric Gillespie · October 11, 2013, 09:30:02 PM

Quote from: Greg Daspit on October 11, 2013, 08:48:35 PM
The lawsuit asks for "Treble Damages". Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Tim asking for 3 times more than a "refund"?

Yes, he tried that but treble damages are only possible under RICO (racketeering) and that part of the lawsuit has already been thrown out. All of the Mellon lawsuit legal documents are on the TIGHAR website.