I find this very distasteful. I personally didn't sign up because I thought maybe I'd have trouble being able to complete the mission due to non-work, you signed up knowing this was coming up, yet you drop out after the deadline because life got in the way? Maybe you should send your gift to your recipient instead of keeping it?
Sad, really sad!
I would also be more than happy to send out a little something for the mission if needed, just shoot me an email! No reason the person on the waiting end should be stiffed over this! And, I APPLAUD those who've stepped up to carry on someone else's obligations! Really show's how caring most of you are!
Distasteful, certainly...but, not surprising...