Money talks
I was ready to toss the letter in the wastebasket—just another of many requests to contribute to the college's annual fund-raising drive for charity. But the dollar bill stopped me. I read the letter I was about to trash.
I'd like to think that I'm not so focused on money that it takes a dollar bill stapled to a letter to get me to read it, but that's what happened.
The message was from Guy Hutt, an associate dean who isn't my boss. His letter sent the message "this guy is so committed to the fund-raiser that he's willing to put his own bucks into the appeal." You've got to respect that.
It's only a buck, but who knows how many of these letters he sent? I'm impressed. I planned to contribute anyway, but this request is forcing my hand.
He's got some skin in the game.
When I asked if it was OK if I mentioned his name, his reply was:
I have always disliked the gun to the head approach I have felt from these requests...
Giving for me is an optional gracious personal act of benevolence, love and altruism not a forced march power play orchestrated by your employer.....
Refreshing, isn't it?
