THE GIVING SPIRIT
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 for a donation. "Our research shows that out of
a yearly income of at least $500,000, you have not given a penny to
charity. Wouldn't you 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 of a long-term 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 small 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?" |
