I found this while looking for other info. Was wondering if anyone else knew UCR was trying to raise $ to save the Citrus Variety Collection??

http://citrusvariety.ucr.edu/support/index.html

I'm sure that many of our trees can be traced back to this collection indirectly if not directly..
Gina *BabyBlue*

Just a thought here, it might be nice to give a Donation in Memory of Patty in Wisc. What's everyone think? What would be an appropriate sum in order to make a donation in her memory?

Mark, I love this idea!! Think I will do the same. I don't think the amount will matter. How do you put a price on a priceless friendship? <3
Gina *BabyBlue*

Yes, they are. I had a long chat with Dr. Kahn. She is launching the effort to develop an endowment fund to support the Citrus Collection. As some of you may know, the AZ Citrus Research Center in Suprise, AZ has been disbanded and closed, due to lack of funding. With all the cuts in the UC system, there is some concern that funding could be cut in the future to the UC Citrus Collection. Dr. Kahn has raised over $600,000 so far, but the goal of course is in the millions. She is encouraging citrus hobbyists and other organizations to donate, especially an ongoing amount, to the UC Citrus Collection. I cannot imagine the Collection or the CCPP being in jeopardy. I think this is one of the reasons they've launched their Citrus Days - to increase public awareness of the need to create a private endowment to make sure the Citrus Collection stays funded. I am going to pledge an annual amount every year. I hope others on this forum will consider doing the same. And, I think it is exceptional to go out to the private sector to ask for funding, a very smart thing. A fascinating statistic was shared curing my "Citrus in the Home Garden" class taught by Tom Shea and Dr. Kahn: About 90% of all of the citrus trees grown in the state of California are grown in the backyards of homeowners!

Patty, I have been contacted by a forum member suggesting that The Citrus Growers Forum membership, combine all the donations from the entire membership, and make a total donation, to Dr. Kahn in the name of our deceased member Patty from Wisconsin. I have not talked to Laaz about this, as Laaz is the forum owner, but he should see this post and respond. What is the membership's general opinion? - Millet (317 BO-)

I think that is a very lovely and thoughtful thing to do, Millet. Beyond that, however, if individuals would like to contribute an ongoing amount every year, that allows the funds to continue to be provided an an annual basis, as opposed to a one-time contribution. Just wanted to let folks on the forum know that this is an additional option. It doesn't have to be a lot of money. It's the "power of many" that will keep the Collection endowed.

I don't see a problem with it, someone would have to set up a paypal account for it.

They accept the normal credit cards, how would PayPal work for this? Also, I've looked over the form and I didn't see where there is a field for organization or group the donation represents. Any ideas?

I'm not that familiar with Riverside. With all do respect I have a few questions before I decide to donate.

What does UCR do for a citrus hobbyists like myself?
Do they research diseases. Are they working on HLB cure?
What is the purpose of their collection?
Why don't they share budwood?

Yes they do "share". you can purchase budwood from them. forget what month they have the sale.got too much going on here.. hope to get to go see it live in person some time in the next month or two..
I've also read about being able to buy a bag of fruit for cheep price.. you pick it and put in bag... unsure if that was a pay thing or not...
they research variaties and have a very large # of diffrent types..
I believe someone who has been there might be able to give better info on what all else they do that is benificial to us back yard growers...

Gina *BabyBlue*