I see it as wealthy individuals begging the general public on behalf of their personal college, which they’ve horribly mismanaged. When requested, I said that if the varsity is begging for cash, officers ought to disclose its audited monetary statements to potential donors and clarify what the long-term plan is. (I wished so as to add that the dad and mom ought to get a cardboard signal and stand on the nook, however refrained.) My inquiries in regards to the monetary particulars have been met with an angle of, “None of what you are promoting, simply donate and don’t ask any questions.” Primarily based on that and on the monetary mismanagement, I’m not going to donate, regardless of being a really beneficiant individual.
Am I improper to ask such questions when requested to donate to one thing? I simply don’t respect a blanket raid on my pockets. Is it now widespread for individuals of means to hunt monetary help from these with much less, providing no particular clarification? I’m so very weary of the nonstop bombardment from quite a few types of fundraising today. Donor fatigue is an actual factor, and I’m rising more and more crankier and extra cynical every day.
Whew. Is it doable that you don’t like this college? Or the dad and mom whose youngsters go there? Why, then, are you querying them a few marketing campaign to which you don’t intend to contribute?
Miss Manners agrees that somebody contemplating a donation ought to ask the way it may remedy the group’s issues. The none-of-your-business response isn’t legitimate when coupled with a plea for help. However as you aren’t contemplating donating, she gathers that you simply simply see it as a gap to vent your dislike.
Pricey Miss Manners: My granddaughter has requested me (her grandfather) to offer her away at her upcoming wedding ceremony, as she is estranged from her father. What must be my reply when requested by the marriage officiant, “Who offers this lady … ?”
The customary response is “I do,” with an emphasis on the “I.” Miss Manners guarantees that nobody will suppose you could have usurped the bridegroom’s response, as he ought to put the emphasis on “do.”
New Miss Manners columns are posted Monday via Saturday on washingtonpost.com/advice. You’ll be able to ship inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, missmanners.com. You may as well observe her @RealMissManners.
