That's me! I don't mind giving money to good causes. If I see people who are enthusiastic about a worthy cause- whether I have a tie to it or not- I don't mind donating. If I can afford it, why not? A lot of people DO have ties though.

Although most people in Indiana are familiar with Riley which helps ALOT when you can for them, many people around here just give because they can. I am lucky that I know wealthy people who aren't very stingy. The generosity in my community is impressive.

Especially when you are in an upper-middle class/affluent area, lots of sons/daughters were/are in college probably doing the same thing. You often heard- "My (name) is raising money for them too!"

I know when we used to can in Indiana (Muncie), we would usually have a few people that would give $10-$20. Usually depending on the cause. What I always thought was interesting, was that many times the people who really went out of their way to donate were the one's who looked like they could least afford it.

My most memorable experience though was once having a "drive-by butt-grabbing" while I was standing in the median once! :eek:

i've had people give me $20's because they knew someone with cancer and just thought it was a good cause, not knowing anything about THON.

PSUSigKapp -- I had people come back to the door with $20s crying, saying things like "I just lost my dad to cancer" or "my little niece has childhood cancer." It used to break my heart, and get me crying.

Shows how important it is to work with a charity or cause that people in the community can relate to.

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Sidenote: our national wasn't always thrilled to hear we had raised $100K for Dance Marathon and next to nothing for Special Olympics, ASA's national charity. Now they have Greek Gods and Goddesses, not Anchor Splash, but better than a sharp stick in the eye, so maybe that will keep national happy.