A Lawyer’s Donations

A local Red Cross office realized that the organization 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 $700,000, you don’t give a penny to charity,” she said. “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 after a long illness and has medical bills that are several times her annual income?”

“Er, no, it didn’t,” the embarrassed Red Cross rep mumbled. ” I’m very sorry….”

The lawyer interrupted, “or that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair?”

The stricken Red Cross rep began to stammer out an apology, but was interrupted again.

“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 Red Cross rep, completely beaten, said simply, “I had no idea….”

On a roll, the lawyer cut her off once again, “So if I don’t give any money to them, why should I give any to you?”