Soliciting on Facebook

Sure, I know it's convenient.  You have a fundraiser (or your kids have a fundraiser) & it's just right there!  200 people at your disposal with one click of the mouse. 

Now all of those friends can sponsor you, or buy your cookies, or magazines, or wrapping paper, or contribute just $10 to your really important cause... but that's just it.  They are all really important causes.  And they are!  I'm not being the slightest bit facetious. 

Our schools are drastically underfunded, breast cancer, MS, arthritis, your 5-year old neighbor who has cancer & his family who are trying to raise money for his treatment; each more devastating than the next. 

And with one click of a mouse button you can reach out to SO many people. 

I had one friend who posted, while she was raising funds for the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure that if each of her 220 some odd Facebook friends each donated $15 toward her walk, she would meet her fundraising goal.  But that's just the problem, I am thrilled to say that I have dozens of friends who Walk for the Cure each year.  However, if I donated $15 to each of them... well that adds up, doesn't it?  And if I donated $15 to each of my other friends who were fundraising for other incredible charities, I wouldn't be able to buy groceries.  So instead I am cold-hearted;  I say no & donate directly to the causes where I can, as I always have. 

Fundraising is fantastic.  I'm a fan.  But I'm also a believer that I should be able to donate to the causes I want to donate to- I should not have to donate to YOUR good cause because you made a pledge, nor should I have to be bombarded with messages about your good cause.  Ask me once- I promise to think about it.  But understand that if it's for a hugely popular charity (like Komen, or school fundraising of any kind), chances are that 40 other people have already asked & please don't be mad when I turn you down.  It isn't personal, honest. 

All I'm asking is that you think before you post that pitch for your child's magazine fundraiser for the fifth time or message me directly asking why I haven't sponsored you for your cross-country bike ride.  Chances are highly likely that, as the old saying goes, "I gave at the office" or simply to someone else first.