Sometimes, charities should help themselves

A little while ago, I posted an article about the Smithfield company’s donation to a Virginia foodbank. I got an anonymous comment in my e-mail, but haven’t decided whether to post it or not… until this morning.
Today in the Washington Post there’s an article outlining some of the charitable work of various corporations. Among the list of good deeds was this:

Under the category of last-minute rescues, perhaps none was more dramatic this year than the one involving six Boys & Girls Clubs in the District. They have now been refurbished and transferred to the larger Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. The rescue was mounted by Frank Saul III of Chevy Chase Bank and Dick Marriott of Host Marriott, with an assist from Bill Kilpatrick of Engineering Consulting Services. And stepping in with a $1 million contribution were Freddie Mac and its foundation.

Now, here’s the e-mail I received:

I read your blog on Smithfield and liked it. It did well to brighten my day as non-profit organizations (which I know Smithfield isn’t) have recently given me the crabs.

I recently did a credit application for a nice woman who was the local Vice President of the Boys and Girls club. Her stated monthly salary was $8000. This makes an annual salary of $96,000. This makes me wonder a few things-
1. How many Vice Presidents do they have?
2. How much do those V.P.’s make?
3. If a v.p. makes $96,000 a year, how much could a President make?
4. How many other non-for-profit orginizations have executives that rake in that much money.
5. How many people could $96,000 feed?

I hate to get jaded toward those who are really trying to make some difference, but good Lord….

My office is in the same building as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington offices. Every day I see two cars belonging to executives there — they drive huge, flashy luxury cars, while their clubhouses are deteriorating.
I wonder how much other leaders of non-profit charitable organizations make in salary and perks?
I’ve worked for a non-profit teacher’s association for 10 years, and my salary is significantly lower than the average for my equally experienced peers. But I believe in what we do, and I am just one single guy who can live comfortably on my salary. However, I’ve been thinking… where can I get one of the $96,000 a year non-profit jobs?