Q. Who is Tim Hines?
A. Tim was a husband, father, soldier, and an American hero. Tim was serving his country in Iraq when injured by a roadside bomb on Father’s Day, 2005. He was critically injured but survived the blast. He was eventually transferred to Walter Reed Army Hospital. On July 14, 2005, Tim passed away. Tim is survived by his spouse Katy, his daughter Lily, and his son Noah, who was born one month after Tim died.
Q. Why do you do this?
A. This is our way of funding a scholarship in Tim’s name. The scholarship is given each year to a high school senior at Cincinnati Christian School. Tim & Katy met at CCS and graduated from there.
Q. Why is your fundraiser centered on March Madness?
A. Tim’s favorite sport was basketball. This seemed like a natural way to honor Tim and raise money for his Memorial Scholarship fund. To read a story about how Tim & Katy made March Madness picks click here.
Q. How do I enter?
A. Click here to go to our pool entry page. You’ll find the instructions there.
Q. What does it cost to get in?
A. We are requesting a $20 donation to the scholarship fund.
Q. Who do I make the check out to?
A. Please make your check payable to “Fairfield Community Foundation”. Please write “Tim Hines” on the memo line.
Q. Where does the check get mailed?
A. Mail your check to our pool administrator:
Jim Wessel
5574 Wooster Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45227
Jim will match up the checks with the brackets and then forward the checks to the foundation.
Q. I don’t like basketball and have never heard of March Madness. Can I still help out?
A. Absolutely. Just send a check (any amount you wish) made out to the “Fairfield Community Foundation” and mail it to:
Jim Wessel
5574 Wooster Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45227
Q. Is my donation tax deductible?
A. Well, it depends. If you donate $20 and enter the pool, your donation is not tax deductible. The reason is that we do award prizes. However, the Fairfield Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non profit. If you make a donation to the scholarship fund without entering the pool, your donation is most likely tax deductible. Please contact your tax advisor to confirm.
Q. I don’t like writing checks, I’d rather pay online. Can I do that?
A. Yes you can. This year we are able to accept donations via PayPal online, however the preferred method is still checks. The reason we prefer checks is that it is less expensive since any online payment service gets a cut of the payment. However, if you prefer PayPal then that’s ok with us. We really appreciate any and all donations!
Q. If I win the pool, what percent of the pool proceeds will I win?
A. Good question. The answer is zero. This is a fundraiser. All of the proceeds go to the Scholarship Fund and to the Thank You Foundation. None of the proceeds are used for prizes. We have added the prizes just for fun and they are all donated.
Q. But you do have prizes. How do I get one?
A. All prizes are awarded based on points. Our points are set up in such a way that you don’t necessarily have to be a college basketball expert to win. The final four games are worth 32 points each and the final game is worth 64. You can make up alot of ground towards the end of the tournament if you have at least one team still dancing.
Q. Where did the prizes come from?
A. From our fabulous sponsors. Please check out our sponsors’ page.
Q. I know it’s just for fun but I’d still like to keep track of how I’m doing in the pool. How can I find out?
A. Another great question. Pool standings are available on our pool website. Log in anytime and check out the reports.
Q. How many people are you expecting to get involved?
A. We are hoping for 500 this year. We need your help to get there. Please tell your friends and family. Spread the word. Post the info on Facebook. Send a tweet. Send a fax. Send a carrier pigeon. Call a buddy, tell a friend. Whatever you can do to help will be greatly appreciated.
Q. What is the Fairfield Community Foundation? Where can I get more info on them?
A. Check out their website at www.fairfield-city.org/communityfoundation
Q. What if I still have a question?
A. Email our pool administrator, Jim Wessel, at hinesheroes@gmail.com. He’s very nice and quite friendly. You’ll like him.
