Charity Run Amok

Being asked for charitable contriubtions for needy causes is getting out of hand. I prefer the old fashioned approach of being contacted via the United States postal service. It's unintrusive, I have time to peruse the literature, and then give if and when and how much I can. No pressure. I loath the dinner time phone calls, or worse, the Christmastime hardcore press (via phone).

Nowadays you can't go about your daily errands without being accosted by volunteers who've set up camp outside retail establishments. The tactic that grates on my nerves the most is when you're actually paying for your goods at some retail store and you're asked by the cashier if you'd like to contribute whatever amount to the cause du jour that they are sponsoring. In return you get to write your name on a slip of paper that they will prominently display on the wall of their store. Big woo.

Friday night, however, I witnessed a new low. Sitting in the movie theater, in excited anticipation for the movie that was about to start in 0.2 seconds; we (the audience) were greeted by two fresh faced teens, employees of the Edwards Grand Twelve Cinema. Clipboard in hand they proceeded to present to us how Regal Theaters is once again taking and matching contributions for the Starlight Foundation. A worthy cause, yes. Once finished with their spiel, the two then walked the ailes to gather any cash or loose change we movie goers were willing to part with. Apparently Regal Theaters decided that simply (and annoyingly) asking to donate a dollar when you are purchasing your tickets isn't intrusive enough. They are now delaying the start time of the movie and forcing you to sit through a presentation. As if having to watch commercials now isn't bad enough. Are they TRYING to repel folks from going out to the movies? If that is their goal, they're on the right track. It's like going out to dinner at your favorite restaurant only to have some waiter stand up and try to sell you a time share...you'd leave except that you've already ordered your food and it will be at your table any second.

I'm all for giving to charities and I do. If I wanted to learn about the Starlight Foundation I would have looked 'em up on the web; certainly not at the theater on MY dime. All they've done is repel me from wanting to give to the charity because their tactic is too "in your face".