April 19, 2006Thanks for Your Gift of Nothing
I have several charities and non-profits I contribute to, but my Alma Mater is not one of them. Of course they solicit contributions. Recently I received the following in an email from them. Dear Mrs. Runion,
Thank you for your gift of $0.00 to Vanderbilt University through the Vanderbilt Fund. Your gift will help provide vital resources during the coming year and also counts for our Shape the Future campaign. You will receive a tax receipt once your gift has been processed.
I later received an apology for the error, and of course I had assumed it was an error and got a good laugh. But it could have been a “great” side-swipe communication had it been intentional.
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This could be an error or it could be a “side-swipe.” I assume side-swipe means like a hit and run insult. I offer a third option….
Perhaps this was a great marketing tool to remind proud alumni that they do have a way to support and shape the future of their alma mater with their contributions. And, it gave them another opportunity to contact him again.
Comment by Brent — April 19, 2006 @ 8:27 am
Since they apologized for thier error I assume it was… but it wouldn’t surprise me it it did motivate a few people who favor other charities over their college to contribute.
I’d love to know the impact it had!
Comment by merylrunion — April 19, 2006 @ 8:34 am
Had they not apologized, an appropriate response might have been:
Thank you for acknowldeging my non-gift. Your courtesy has decided my future gift-giving goals along similar lines.
Comment by Ron Pulliam — April 26, 2006 @ 11:00 am
Ron-or I could have said I would double my amount in the following year! I don’t recommend or practice sarcasm but I do think about what I would say if I did sometimes!
Comment by merylrunion — April 26, 2006 @ 1:46 pm
love u Meryl
xoxox
Comment by Shumail — April 27, 2006 @ 4:55 am
Meryl - I read your recount of the lose of your former husband and was eager to know what the “wake-up call” was and what caused it and I feel like I really need more information. Were you living in denial about his illness? His denial may have been him masking his worry or fears to be strong for you. Maybe he was trying to keep a positive attitude for your benefit? I’m curious if after his passing you just realized you hadn’t lived in the moment and took full advantage of it or if there was something that caused your wake-up call? I don’t want to be living with my head in the sand, but don’t think if had the wake-up call you’re referring to!
Thank you, Lisa
Comment by Lisa — May 17, 2006 @ 11:21 am
I work in an environment where people can come in just about whenever they want to as long as they leave after the designated time. Consequently, I’ve noticed many don’t put in a full day or they stay until well into the evening, not necessarily because they have so much work but because it looks better to leave late. I like to get here early (7:30-8:00 a.m.) but I want to leave by 5:00. My boss says it’s alright but will notoriously leaves me a message at 5:10 or 5:25 and then acts like he expects a response at that time…how can I handle this? I have already addressed it directly. The last straw was when a new employee has already gotten permission to arrive at 6:30-7:00a.m. and leave by 3:30-4:00 pm. I get the job done yet I feel demeaned at this treatment. How do I handle it?..yet again.
Comment by Yvonne Viscosi — May 30, 2006 @ 9:14 am