A local United Way office realized that it had never received a donation from the town’s most successful lawyer. The person in charge of contributions called him to persuade him to contribute.
“Our research shows that out of a yearly income of at least five hundred thousand dollars, you give not a penny to charity. Would you not like to give back to the community in some way?’’
The lawyer mulled this over for a moment and replied, “First, did your research also show that my mother is dying after a long illness, and has medical bills that are several times her annual income?’’
Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbled, “Um...no.”
“…or that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair?’’
The stricken United Way rep began to stammer out an apology but was interrupted, “…or that my sister’s husband died in a traffic accident,’’ the lawyer’s voice rising in indignation, “leaving her penniless with three children!?’’
The humiliated United Way rep, completely beaten, said simply, “I had no idea...”
On a roll, the lawyer cut him off once again: “… so if I don’t give any money to them, why should I give any to you!?”
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