I believe they are whorled peas, but I digress...

 

with Willinathen, Klassyblue and Ohio Racer on this subject.

The way I viewed this was perhaps a way for him to broaden the "horizons" of his charitable giving by letting "his helpers" cast the net further than his "throwing power".

In other words: Perhaps, he has been set in his ways and has a narrow scope of organizations that he feels a personal connection too. In my case, I have a soft spot in my heart for the Salvation Army. Because on the morning I was drafted into the U.S. Army it was the Salvation Army that was there at Fort Hamilton, NY that handed me a little bag, with travel size toilettetry items in it, as I got on the bus to go to basic training and a voice that simply said "good luck to you".

When Warren Buffet decided to give away a sizeable portion of his worth to charity this year. He decided to let The Gates Foundation do it for him. I am not trying to second guest the man, but perhaps (IMO) it was because he knew that his money would be spent in ways that he would not think of on his own.

Going back to Jerry's mens club friend, this is how I interpetted his actions. Perhaps, after seeing how his friends decided to pass the money along, he plans on distilling the information on how they donated the money to see if a few common causes materialized. Then he would use that to broaden his own charitable giving after broadening his horizons. Going back to my previous analogy of having many hands help cast the net.

 

Jerry,

My office and my firm contribute to many worthwhile charities throughout the year. This time of year, my office gives to two charities, Chrstmas in the City and The Pine Street Inn. The former throws a one day Christmas party for homeless families and shelters. The later is a year round homeless shelter. If I were given gaurdianship of the fifty, I would send an e-mail around my office, letting other know of this "blind" contribution and telling folks that I was giving it to the office charity with a suggestion that we might all ask friends and famly to consider giving as well.

 

While I seldom post in Vintage, I find this thread fascinating. While working in and around the non-profit world for over 18 years now, I've become quite familiar with "The Tipping Point" in both concept and practice. While to many of us here $50 could indeed be chump change, to others it's huge. I agree that accepting that $50 came with a responsibility. But few good things in life don't. Personally, I think you have an opportunity to be challenged, to enrich other lives, to teach by example, and most importantly, to have fun! Ever see the look on the face of the guy in the car behind you when you pay his toll? Or when you pay for a stranger's coffee at the drive up? Try handing the kid down the corner a $10 bill for a 25 cent cup of lemonade. It makes an impression, and with explanation it can inspire. When I tip the lemonade kid, I tell him that when he's successful, I want him to remember this moment and do the same. Maybe I'm delusional, but I like to think the kid does remember and does "pay it forward".

Now, while putting that $50 in the Salvation Army pot will do lots of good, it would also probably feed 10 homeless people. How much time would it take to get $50 worth of fast food and drop it off where the homeless congregate? They're pretty easy to find in most areas. Maybe bring $50 worth of ice cream to your local Boys & Girls Club some afternoon? Send a huge bouquet of flowers to the local hospice? The possibilities are endless, particularly if you give it some thought.

The world is sadly in need of role models. I think you've got an amazing (and FREE) way to be one. For 1 person, or for 50.

While some will certainly think I'm treading in "bleeding heart" territory, I can tell you from experience that doing good for others is one of the most important things I've ever done. In my office (a private charitable foundation) we've contributed money to name buildings, but it always seems to be the small contributions that provide the most satisfaction to us. I find such things energizing, and I have no doubt that philanthropy can be taught by example.

Good luck with this! I'll be waiting to see how you change the world in your own way.

 

I'm sorry but I don't understand this comment. Please explain.

 

It is from an old Saturday Night Live routine with Gilda Radner as Rosanne Rosanadana (sp).

Her commentary was about "Whirled Peas". When corrected by the news character,protrayed by Jane Curtain, that the previous editorial was about "World Peace" she responded with, "never mind".

 

Apparently the point of this thread has been lost on some, along with the irony inherent in an argument over the nature and motives of a charitable act, especially given the time of year.

To get back to the original question asked:

I would probably donate it to a street shelter or public detox unit. They're usually very pressed for money at this time of the year.

 

Rob, I must say your whole outlook on this is very disappointing. There may be places to draw the line in the sand but IMHO that's a piss poor one.

 

[QUOTE]

 

The toon, good thoughts there!