+
+ /**
+ * Count the number of faves a notice already has. Used to initalize
+ * a tally for a notice.
+ *
+ * @param integer $noticeID ID of the notice to count faves for
+ *
+ * @return integer $total total number of time the notice has been favored
+ */
+ static function countExistingFaves($noticeID)
+ {
+ $fave = new Fave();
+ $fave->notice_id = $noticeID;
+ $total = $fave->count();
+ return $total;
+ }