"Little Black Dress" in Little Rock

Sunday, Jun 14^th 2009

By Nancy French

I’ve been invited to yet another black tie event “for a good cause.” I usually go, but this year, it seems a little tacky to be living it up when so many people are financially hurting. Should I go anyway?

ONE CENT:

Dear Little Black Dress -

I say if you're interested and believe in that cause, put on that little black dress, shimmy around the dance floor and have a great time. Don't let guilt motivate you to stay in for the weekend in your old pjs. Having some fun with your friends while you're supporting something outside yourself just doesn't sound like a bad plan to me.

TWO CENT:

Dear "Little,"

The good folks at Charity Navigator have something interesting to say about this:

According to The New York Times, this year charities are taking a less is more approach with their special events. Why? Given the recession, many attendees no longer have the discretionary income to pay for expensive tickets to charity galas. And the public backlash against wealth (think of the AIG bonus scandal), has other benefactors thinking twice about their attendance at high-end events. As such, the article highlights some ways that charities can lower their expenses (use balloons instead of fresh flowers for decorations) and thereby reduce the price of a ticket without impacting the bottom line.

Our research shows that special events can be woefully inefficient ways to directly raise charitable funds. So encouraging charities to pare down their costs and strive for greater efficiencies is a trend we welcome. However, given their ability to generate publicity and cultivate long-term relationships (called friendraising by some), we’re not so naive to think that charities are going to abandon their use of benefits all together.

In other words, "Little," you may have to make this decision less and less. This is a good time to scale back, and feel free to send a polite note (with a check, if you like) to explain your position. Or, just RSVP with your regrets! It's called "volunteering," and "charity," because you don't have to do it.

Nancy French

Nancy French is an author, commentator, and mother. Her next book, about the year her husband spent in Iraq is due out July 4, 2011. Connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NancyAndersonFrench and follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nancyafrench.

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