The local United Way office realized that it had never received a donation from the town’s most successful lawyer.
The volunteer in charge of contributions called him to persuade him to contribute. “Our research shows that out of a yearly income of more than $600,000 you give not 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 after a long illness, and has medical bills that are several times her annual income?”
Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbled, “Um… No.”
“Second, 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 put off. “Third, 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 her off once again, “…And I don’t give any money to them, so why should I give any to you?”