(1) Round Up at the Register
I’m not sure who started the round up at the register (RU@R) fundraising strategy, but it has sure caught on. I’ve been in St. Louis for about 10 weeks and here are the places I’ve encountered RU@R: Office Depot, Schnucks, Macy’s, and McDonald’s. Those are the ones I can remember. Between RU@R, tipping, and taxes, I can hardly afford to buy anything!
The first RU@R invitation that got my attention was at Office Depot. The office supply chain invited me to round up my purchase and support Ross Elementary School in Chesterfield, Missouri’s, highly-rated Parkway School District. Chesterfield is one of the wealthier areas in Metropolitan St. Louis. Since public schools are supported by both state and local taxes, I don’t really see Ross Elementary as a worthy cause. Public schools are not charitable entities. Plus, public schools have shown themselves to be aligned with values I believe are counter-productive to the welfare of children and families. So nope, not gonna round up (NGRU).
The second was at Macy’s. While purchasing some ankle socks, the salesperson asked if I would like to support the Trevor Project. I asked, “What’s the Trevor Project?” The salesperson said he wasn’t really sure, so I declined to participate. Then while purchasing a pair of tennis shoes, a more knowledgeable salesperson, a flamboyantly dressed young man, invited me to round up my purchase in support of the Trevor Project. Again, I asked, “What is the Trevor Project?” Perhaps anticipating my reaction, he hesitantly told me it was supporting the LGBT and trans communities.
According to its website, the West Hollywood-based Trevor Project is “the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. We provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.”
The organization’s target audience is emotionally vulnerable young people struggling with their sexuality. It’s message to these adolescents: “The Trevor Project is celebrating the changemakers building a world where LGBTQ+ young people are embraced as their authentic selves.” I’m all for mental health support for young people … just not agenda-driven “support.” Again, nope, NGRU.
You may be thinking, “Oh for crying out loud, it’s only a few cents.” That’s true. But for me, it’s the principle. This particular fundraising strategy counts on people thinking, “It’s only a few cents.” It counts on people not wanting to appear stingy. But of course, those cents add up and often support causes you might not agree with … if you had time to look into it.
I’m not saying to NEVER round up at the register. For example, I usually round up at McDonald’s for the Ronald McDonald House, but that’s about the only one. Overall, I’m just not going to give to organizations I’m not familiar with.
(2) June 13 is Dining Out for Life Day in St. Louis
If you’re thinking this is a pro-life fundraising campaign, you are going to be very disappointed.
For the last thirty years (yes, that long!) St. Louis restaurants have sponsored this dining out fundraising event and donated a percentage of the day’s profits to Saint Louis Effort for AIDS, now part of Wisconsin-based Vivent Health.
Trust But Verify spoke with Madison Ratay who is coordinating this year’s effort. She was reluctant to project what the 2024 proceeds would be, saying various changes are being made to the strategy.
Twenty-two St. Louis restaurants and eateries along with a number of corporate sponsors are participating in the event. You might want to check out the website and see what businesses are involved.
I must admit, I am a fan of several of the participating restaurants — Rooster and Eleven Eleven Mississippi, for example. But I won’t be eating at either restaurant today.
Personally, I don’t see ending HIV as a top health priority. Maybe Alzheimer’s … but that’s just me.
Well said Kristine-Stick to your principles!