Dear Editor:
In “SU reduces Relay for Life funding,” (Feb. 16, 2007) Senior Matt Zinter argues that because Student Union is not giving Relay for Life all the money it asked for. He is quoted saying “[It] compromises our pledge to our participants that their fundraising money will support the American Cancer Society’s research and patient programs.” Actually, according to charitynavigator.org, which rates charities, American Cancer Society received one out of four possible stars for efficiency. This means that more money is going to fund raising and administrative costs than it should, reducing the ability to fund programs and research, directly. While I think Relay for Life is a great Washington University tradition and experience, and it is for a good cause, there are other organizations that will give your money more directly to programs, so your money goes where it helps the most. To learn more about donating money to charity, I highly recommend checking out charitynavigator.org. There, you can find out where your money is (and isn’t) going.
-Dave Shapiro
Class of 2009