As we move further into fall, more and more 5k races and other events are popping up claiming to benefit certain charities. Recently on Oct. 2 was the Nancy M. Kapheim Memorial Classic in Rock Island. Coming up on Oct. 8 is the Make-A-Wish Walk For Wishes in Davenport.
However, a few of these races aren’t what they claim to be. With dozens of 5k runs claiming “all proceeds go charity,” some of the organizers of these races are twisting what the word “proceeds” means. They are defining it as the money left over after the race director and other administrators have already taken out their generous share of profit to keep for themselves. This fraudulent act of false advertising has brought up a question among runners: does the money make it to where it’s supposed to be going?
Similar questions were raised when it was revealed how much the CEO of Goodwill, a supposed charity company, makes per year. Many people stopped donating, stopped shopping, and protested the business all together. But how much is too much? Do the people working in these charities deserve at least some type of pay?
“No, they should donate all of the money,” says senior Maddux Snook. When it comes to races claiming to be all for charity, to not donate all of the money claimed to be going towards a good cause “should be illegal” according to Snook.
However, do most people really care about this sly act in the charity world? As long as at least some of the money is going towards the cause, it shouldn’t be an issue, right?
“It doesn’t affect me personally,” says senior Rachael Souhrada. “I’ll still shop at Goodwill.”
In the end, however, people must make wise choices about where they put their money. Either they should familiarize themselves with the charity, read the terms and conditions, or just do whatever it takes to get a better view of where the money is going. If they don’t, it’s fair game.
“I dislike [these charities’] moral choices, but I’m not surprised by them,” adds Snook. “People should research where their charity money is going before they donate.”
The world is a cruel place, especially when it comes to money, so it cannot hurt to make wise and educated decisions–hopefully ones that will actually benefit those in need.
