Star Wars Charity
I am usually not a fan of the charity "event." You know, the fun-run, rock concert, or celebrity gala that raises $200,000 and usually spends $175,000 to do it. It's generally relatively selfish philanthropy, as the donor has to get something in return for their generosity. And of course, it's demonstrably more inefficient than just writing a check in the first place, and foregoing the dinner.
So when I heard about the people in New York City who are waiting three weeks in line to see the new Star Wars movie, and collecting pledges intended for the excellent Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation for their efforts, I thought they, and their supporters, were a little silly. And when I learned that people are paying $500 a ticket in San Francisco to see the movie early, and the proceeds are going to the Koret Family House, I thought that was a little better, but still relatively pointless.
But then I heard about the fans in Los Angeles. Like the New Yorkers, they're camped out to see the movie, and like the San Franciscans, they're raising a lot of money. But unlike both groups, they're not actually going to see the movie for their efforts.
Why not? Well, mainly because they're at the wrong theater. The Vaderettes (I made that term up--I have no idea what you call these people, other than "lonely") are lined up outside Grauman's Chinese Theater, which has hosted several Star Wars premieres before, but will not host this one. This is according to George Lucas, Grauman's, and everyone else except the 200 people in line. According to those in the know, as opposed to those in line, the film will premiere at another theater about a mile away. But the folks in line aren't budging. They're insistent that the movie will come to them, no matter what anyone says.
But they are still raising money for charity--over $10,000 so far. So I must acknowledge that while these people are not only clueless but ridiculous, they are practicing my favorite form of philanthropy. They're raising money, and they're not getting anything in return. They're not even going to see the movie.
Use the force, folks. Move your line over a mile. Think how much you could raise if you waited in front of the right theater.
This just proves you don't have to be a genius to give to charity.
So when I heard about the people in New York City who are waiting three weeks in line to see the new Star Wars movie, and collecting pledges intended for the excellent Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation for their efforts, I thought they, and their supporters, were a little silly. And when I learned that people are paying $500 a ticket in San Francisco to see the movie early, and the proceeds are going to the Koret Family House, I thought that was a little better, but still relatively pointless.
But then I heard about the fans in Los Angeles. Like the New Yorkers, they're camped out to see the movie, and like the San Franciscans, they're raising a lot of money. But unlike both groups, they're not actually going to see the movie for their efforts.
Why not? Well, mainly because they're at the wrong theater. The Vaderettes (I made that term up--I have no idea what you call these people, other than "lonely") are lined up outside Grauman's Chinese Theater, which has hosted several Star Wars premieres before, but will not host this one. This is according to George Lucas, Grauman's, and everyone else except the 200 people in line. According to those in the know, as opposed to those in line, the film will premiere at another theater about a mile away. But the folks in line aren't budging. They're insistent that the movie will come to them, no matter what anyone says.
But they are still raising money for charity--over $10,000 so far. So I must acknowledge that while these people are not only clueless but ridiculous, they are practicing my favorite form of philanthropy. They're raising money, and they're not getting anything in return. They're not even going to see the movie.
Use the force, folks. Move your line over a mile. Think how much you could raise if you waited in front of the right theater.
This just proves you don't have to be a genius to give to charity.
posted by Trent Stamp at 12:41 AM
3 Comments:
Want to register better domains with better keywords? Want to host the sites better as well? Check out first post!
I came across your blog about registered charities and found it to be very good. I am definitely going to add you to my favorites. I have a blog that you might be interested in at registered charities it has similar content. Feel free to check it out when you get the time.
I found your blog about registered charities very interesting. It is always great to read about stars from popular films, like Star Wars, giving putting their energy into supporting charities.
Dave Prowse (Darth Vader)spends a lot of his time working with many charities around the world, such as PhaB, WalkOnceMore, Force Against Arthritis, to name but a few.
Most recently he has signed a large collection of unique star wars collectibles, including an Original Darth vader helmet (Don Post). These are being auctioned for UK charity Phab, of which Dave is Vice President:
You can visit the site below for your chance to bid for this collection, and donate to Phab!
http://www.angelsanddaemons.com
http://www.phab.org.uk
Post a Comment
<< Home