Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Here's the story: As I was entering a big-box retailer I was asked by several early teens cheerleaders if I'd like to donate for their fundraiser. I asked what cause I would be supporting. Before they could respond along comes one of the girls' mom to take over. The mom tells me how lucky I should feel to be represented by such a find group of girls and my support help them make it to Florida so they could better represent my city by winning the national tournament. Usually I give a simple "No, thanks." but this irked me. I asked the mom why couldn't the girls put on a bake sale or something of the like to actually raise money instead of just asking for a handout. The mom took offense and once again reminded me how lucky I was to be represented by this group of girls and said there was no reason to actually sell something because people were giving them money anyway. I responded to the mom about the message it was sending to the girls about not having to earn their way and her response was they didn't have to earn their way because they're cheerleaders. I, then, asked her about the unused money and if it would be donated to a charity. Her response was that it wouldn't and the girls would be treated to nice dinners because, and I quote, "They earned it.".
Am I confused about something here? Is this normal to beg for money just to take a trip? They had a pot of money! People would walk past and drop in dollar bills. What really bothers me is the fact I never see a charity collecting this much money. Is it just me or do people really think it's okay to do this? Would you give money?
Isn't being good at cheerleading earning a spot in the competition? I think the girls should have spoken to you vs. one of the moms, but otherwise? I think you are making a mountain out of a mole hill.
You lost me when you said that the mom was fat. Sorry.
Okay, I edited out the fact that the mom was fat. Try re-reading it now that it's not "offensive".
Quote:
I think you are making a mountain out of a mole hill.
I guess so but I think it's absolutely pathetic that people would donate to this "cause". I certainly hope those who donated gave money to the Salvation Army who was ringing the bell on the other side of the entrance. I sure didn't witness it.
The fact that the mom was "fat" had nothing to do with the situation. That's why it was weird to see it in your post every time the mom was mentioned. I already said that the girls should have been actually doing something to earn the money for their trip. That doesn't change, regardless of the weight of the mom....
There was a thread about this a while back. People said kids were basically panhandling, asking for donations for their team, but not selling anything. No, I wouldn't donate unless maybe I knew a team member. I think they should sell something or have a car wash to earn the money. If I was that bothered by it, I might let the store manager know that I was bothered.
ETA the "fat" part was removed before I read the OP.
If it's an organization I'm not interested in donating to, I usually smile and walk away. It's not too hard- I'll probably never have any encounters with those people in my life again.
Your story kinda reminds me of the time when a homeschool group outside of Wal-Mart had a can asking for donations so they could go on a "school trip" to Disney World. I think not.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I think the girls should have spoken to you vs. one of the moms, but otherwise? I think you are making a mountain out of a mole hill.
