The local United Way office realized that it has never received a donation from the town's most successful lawyer so it sends a local volunteer to solicit his donation. The volunteer tells the lawyer, "Our research shows that even though your annual income is over a $1 million, you do not give one penny to charity! Wouldn't you like to give back to your community through The United Way?"
The lawyer thinks for a moment and says, "First, did your research show that my mother is dying after a long, painful illness and has huge medical bills far beyond her ability to pay?"
Embarrassed, the United Way volunteer mumbles, "Uh, no."
"Secondly, that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair and is unable to support his wife and six children?"
The stricken volunteer begins to stammer an apology but is cut off.
"Thirdly, that my sister's husband died in a dreadful traffic accident", the lawyer's voice rising in indignation, "leaving her penniless with a mortgage and three children?"
The humiliated volunteer, now completely beaten, says simply, "I had no idea."
The lawyer then says, "...and if I don't give any money to THEM, why should I give any to you?"
