Wounded Warriors Refuses Donation

[miamicigarco]

Just got an email from Finck Cigar Company in San Antonio Texas, who runs a yearly event. The event raises money for charity, and they were informed this year that Wounded Warriors would not accept the donation due to them being a tobacco company.

I tweeted about it, and some other cigar shops chimed in that they too had their donations refused due to the tobacco company.

Ladies & Gentlemen, we have supported the military for years and many servicemen and women enjoy a fine cigar. For a donation to be refused because of the ties to Tobacco is sickening.

[Remo]

That is crazy :td

[maninblack]

What a crock of B.S.

[kydsid]

To assume that someone, or an orginization must accept a donation is telling of your own position. It is their right to operate as they see fit just as it is our right to donate to those we choose to do so. The virtue of our donations does not abide us a position or greatness that entitles us to assume we are more virtous.

If you believe in the mission of the charity, why not simply donate it anonymously? For your donation is not because of an interest to your own agenda, or is it?

[Remo]

To assume that someone, or an orginization must accept a donation is telling of your own position. It is their right to operate as they see fit just as it is our right to donate to those we choose to do so. The virtue of our donations does not abide us a position or greatness that entitles us to assume we are more virtous.

No, but it seems that donations that go to benefit the troops should be accepted regardless if from a Tobacco Co. I understand that they may not want to be portrayed as supporting tobacco usage but c'mon, not like they are accepting donations from the "People in support of clubbing baby seals!!"

[fencefixer]

It's politics, guys. That's all it is, politics. Nothing you can do. ;s

[miamicigarco]

To assume that someone, or an orginization must accept a donation is telling of your own position. It is their right to operate as they see fit just as it is our right to donate to those we choose to do so. The virtue of our donations does not abide us a position or greatness that entitles us to assume we are more virtous.

If you believe in the mission of the charity, why not simply donate it anonymously? For your donation is not because of an interest to your own agenda, or is it?

Kysid,

The purpose of the event has been to raise money for the charity. The event has been going on for a few years now. When they called up up Wounded Warriors to co-ordinate as they have done in the past, they were told that wounded warriors would not accept the donation.

To me that doesn't seem like an agenda on the part of the shop.

[Blak Smyth]

Another example of "Evil Tobacco" corrupting something good.

[emopunker2004]

It angers me because they are turning down money needed to help injured troops. Not like it's a donation from Al Queda

[Remo]

If you believe in the mission of the charity, why not simply donate it anonymously? For your donation is not because of an interest to your own agenda, or is it?

I also understand that this could be donated anonymously, but it is a company(s) that support a great charity and if they are able to say that they support said charity they would be more apt to get my business, just my .02

[Remo]

It's politics, guys. That's all it is, politics. Nothing you can do. ;s

Way to go DC :sl :r

[kydsid]

Kysid,

The purpose of the event has been to raise money for the charity. The event has been going on for a few years now. When they called up up Wounded Warriors to co-ordinate as they have done in the past, they were told that wounded warriors would not accept the donation.

To me that doesn't seem like an agenda on the part of the shop.


I was being more metaphorical. What I'm saying is donate the money anyway. Just do it outside an official sponsorship, official recognition etc. Either it's about charity or it isn't.

[kelmac07]

...usage but c'mon, not like they are accepting donations from the "People in support of clubbing baby seals!!"

Where do I sign up for that club? :r :r

[mkarnold1]

Where do I sign up for that club? :r :r

If you go out and club a bunch of baby seals, they will notice and recruit you. It takes some effort, but it's worth it. :r

[sevans105]

I wonder if they will have Room 101 take down the "we support the Wounded Warrior project" on their web page? Evil tobacco.....tasty, but evil.

[Subvet642]

I wonder if they will have Room 101 take down the "we support the Wounded Warrior project" on their web page? Evil tobacco.....tasty, but evil.

They should replace it with a banner that reads that Wounded Warrior refuses their donations and places politics above wounded service members' welfare. :2

[jsnake]

Ridiculous. 'Nough said.

[sevans105]

Took me a bit. I'm a little slow. I understand kydsid's point now. if it's truly about charity, then an anonymous donation would be fine. if it is about marketing, then I understand why the company's would be bothered. "Behold, they have their reward."

[Remo]

Took me a bit. I'm a little slow. I understand kydsid's point now. if it's truly about charity, then an anonymous donation would be fine. if it is about marketing, then I understand why the company's would be bothered. "Behold, they have their reward."

But that's the point Scott, money gets to the troops, the company can say they donate to so and so organization, I buy from that company because I like the fact they donate....win/win.

[Subvet642]

I wrote them a damned (and damning) email telling them that I would take this up with the veterans' and fraternal organizations to which I belong. We'll see what happens; I don't expect much.

[dave]

I don't disagree with Kysid, however, I'm a little skeptical as to 'real' reasons and motives. If this were a government program, I could more easily understand political pressure -- seems there's been a couple big media blow-ups the last couple of years when someone quite visible took a public stand regarding reducing or restricting tobacco use in military. Little doubt there's huge financial advantage to the government in reducing tobacco use amongst military and retirees. So, if this were a government program, it would be easier to understand someone leaning on them. However, to the best of my knowledge, Wounded Warriors is a private non-profit - and I can't see that they receive any direct government funding. Could be wrong, however -- there are a couple of homes built in WW name on post here that had to have been at least partly supported by gov't.
Anyway - I would like to know what 'behind-the-scenes' pressure was put upon them.

[bobarian]

But that's the point Scott, money gets to the troops, the company can say they donate to so and so organization, I buy from that company because I like the fact they donate....win/win.

You are sadly mistaken if you believe the bulk of your donations go towards supporting the cause you have chosen. Almost all charities are self sustaining, using money raised to raise more money. With some of the more unscrupulous charities administrative costs run as high as 80-90%.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a fine charity but as stated above they have the right to accept corporate donations from the companies they choose. Perhaps they have an agreement with other donors that precludes the tobacco donations. There are many other worthy charities working with injured soldiers, maybe one of those would be more willing to work with the OP. :2

[Remo]

You are sadly mistaken if you believe the bulk of your donations go towards supporting the cause you have chosen. Almost all charities are self sustaining, using money raised to raise more money. With some of the more unscrupulous charities administrative costs run as high as 80-90%.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a fine charity but as stated above they have the right to accept corporate donations from the companies they choose. Perhaps they have an agreement with other donors that precludes the tobacco donations. There are many other worthy charities working with injured soldiers, maybe one of those would be more willing to work with the OP. :2

I have no illusiones that the bulk of the money goes to where they say it's going, and I see Dave's point that if they are taking government money then there is no doubt they are being pressured into not accepting certain donations.

[poker]

I have to agree with others, in that an anonymous donation would most likely would have been accepted. You have to understand that Wounded Warriors is a business (Corporation). With any big business, you have to understand they are concerned about perception and how they think they are being perceived. A quick look at their audited financial statements show they aint exactly small by any means.

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/media/4505/fy2010_wwp_audited_financial_statements.pdf

[hotreds]

So this was money, not cigars being donated, right? Kinda jaw dropping, frankly. I won't say anymore lest I be banned for being too political.:)

[miamicigarco]

Took me a bit. I'm a little slow. I understand kydsid's point now. if it's truly about charity, then an anonymous donation would be fine. if it is about marketing, then I understand why the company's would be bothered. "Behold, they have their reward."

The company chose to make a donation to Fisher House if anyone is curious.

Fisher Houses provide a place for families of servicemen to stay while their injured family members are being treated in VA hospitals. You can read more about them at www.FisherHouse.org

[miamicigarco]

So this was money, not cigars being donated, right? Kinda jaw dropping, frankly. I won't say anymore lest I be banned for being too political.:)

Yes it was a financial donation. The tobacco shop was running an event with sponsors throughout the cigar industry getting on board. The owner of the shop who was running the evnt reached out to Wounded Warriors about the donation and was told that Wounded Warriors would not accept the donation due to the ties to tobacco.

[Remo]

The company chose to make a donation to Fisher House if anyone is curious.

Fisher Houses provide a place for families of servicemen to stay while their injured family members are being treated in VA hospitals. You can read more about them at www.FisherHouse.org

:tu

[kaisersozei]

Tobacco must be a recent addition to their policy on fundraisers--from their FAQ

Are there any fundraisers WWP does not support?
WWP fundraisers can not be sexual, political or religious in nature, and cannot be partnered with alcohol brands or the exchange of firearms. This messaging conflicts with our mind, body, and spirit approach to programs. As everyone is aware, alcohol and substance abuse have been a significant problem with segments of the Wounded Warrior population, often with deadly consequences. WWP would not be honoring and empowering Wounded Warriors if the warrior population perceived partnerships with these types of events as encouraging the use of products that contribute to that problem.

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/get-involved/proud-supporter-faqs.aspx

[Malazan]

That's Bullshit. The need an Enema in the front office

[sikk50]

It's unfortunate that WW has forgotten the true purpose of their existence. This group does great things, refusing money that could help pay for rehab counseling or prosthetics based on the community it comes from is truly discouraging.

[Taki]

Absolutely nuts!!! Nothing else to say but that is just ridiculous!

[tengel78]

Absolutely nuts!!! Nothing else to say but that is just ridiculous!

+1

[pnoon]

To assume that someone, or an orginization must accept a donation is telling of your own position. It is their right to operate as they see fit just as it is our right to donate to those we choose to do so. The virtue of our donations does not abide us a position or greatness that entitles us to assume we are more virtous.

If you believe in the mission of the charity, why not simply donate it anonymously? For your donation is not because of an interest to your own agenda, or is it?

bump

[hotreds]

You know, fellas, that I'm sending cigars to a "wounded warrior" on rehab in a Texas facility.

http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3C%3B%3Enu%3D375%3B%3E%3B49%3E2% 3B7%3E284%3C%3B493%3A823%3Aot1lsi

Looks like this group is missing on a great aid because they've been too caught up in the PC world. Very sad indeed- and, frankly, good to know which organization NOT to support!

[LigaPrivadaT84]

:td

[jjmitchem]

You know, fellas, that I'm sending cigars to a "wounded warrior" on rehab in a Texas facility.

http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3C%3B%3Enu%3D375%3B%3E%3B49%3E2% 3B7%3E284%3C%3B493%3A823%3Aot1lsi

Looks like this group is missing on a great aid because they've been too caught up in the PC world. Very sad indeed- and, frankly, good to know which organization NOT to support!


Down range we started calling our cigar get togethers "counseling sessions". I did some of my best and most productive counselings over a cigar.

Not to mention they kept me sane as well

[Brian D.]

Tobacco must be a recent addition to their policy on fundraisers--from their FAQ

Are there any fundraisers WWP does not support?
WWP fundraisers can not be sexual, political or religious in nature, and cannot be partnered with alcohol brands or the exchange of firearms.

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/get-involved/proud-supporter-faqs.aspx

Hmm, they have a bias against firearms too, I see. While some of the warriors the group is trying to help were perhaps injured with a gun, others perhaps used a one to save themselves from death when attacked. Firearms are not inherently evil, they are a thing, a tool.

I suppose there are a few veterans who sustained their injuries from being stabbed, or run over with a vehicle. Would that preclude WW from accepting Kershaw's or General Motors' donations?

[RGD.]

This is humorous to me.

Over this past weekend I participated in the Virginia State American Legion Annual Bowling Tournament held in Norfolk this year.

During the event a NASCAR jacket was raffled off with the proceeds going to - wait for it - Wounded Warriors.

I wonder if they would be accepting the donation if they knew it came from a bunch of cigar/pipe/cigarette smoking groups who gambled away $10, $20, $30 or more.

Just humorous.

So sick most days of the United States of PC.

Ron

[qwerty1500]

Pc bs