Muselmann: Regardless of source, charity is charity

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Some of us have it all, but no one feels like they themselves do. October is marked with several good things that make this time of year my favorite. The beginning of basketball (or at least the heightened sense of school spirit it creates), the change in the weather and my typical dive into all things pumpkin usually raise my spirits and general compassion for others. Something that seems to coincide in this nature this season is the increase in awareness of poverty and implementing programs, drives and benefits to prepare for the colder months. Many groups, from food kitchens to bars, are lending a hand in helping to provide a wider range of local support for these causes—a fact I couldn’t believe had drawn dispute.

Bars’ involvement in fund-raising efforts for charity is not okay with some, a fact that is puzzling for me. Saturday the Replay Lounge hosted “Fashion Monsters,” a fashion show displaying local stores’ merchandise, with a three-dollar cover going to the Social Service League. It looked to be a success; the place was crowded, and the show was good (almost wholesome) fun. As a result, the Social Service League now has more funds to use and everyone had a good time on Saturday. I don’t see the moral argument opponents try to claim. Many legal-aged attendees were probably going to go to a bar anyway.

Similar derision is also directed at the upcoming “Crawl for Cancer” in Kansas City, Mo., where groups sign up for a night of drinking at different local pubs to benefit the American Cancer Society and Helping Hands. Opposition claims it is not the best way to raise money, although the Crawl fills up quickly each year.

It is not as if the giving were by the glass. More drinks do not equal more giving in any of these events. No one is asking anyone to drape over the toilet for charity, pass out for charity or have a hangover for charity.

Those in need are not grappling with the fact that someone donated cans or a huge check was presented or if someone bought a cookie or if someone paid a bar cover one night to support them. Compassion is not just for the up-tights. It all translates to the same spirit of giving. That, I think, is where more is always better.

Muselmann is a Tulsa, Okla., junior in journalism.

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