The local United Way office realized that it had never received a donation from the town's most successful lawyer.

A local volunteer calls to solicit his donation, saying,
"Our research shows that even though your annual income is over a million dollars, you do not give one penny to charity! Wouldn't you like to give back to your community through The United Way?"

The lawyer thinks for a moment and says,
"First, did your research show that my mother is dying after a long, painful illness and has huge medical bills far beyond her ability to pay?"

Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbles,
"Uh, no."

"Secondly, that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair and is unable to support his wife and six children?"

The stricken United Way rep begins to stammer an apology but is cut off.

"Thirdly, that my sister's husband died in a dreadful traffic accident", the lawyers voice rising in indignation.
"leaving her penniless with a mortgage and three children?"

The humiliated United Way rep, completely beaten, says simply,
"I had no idea."

The lawyer then says,
"...and if I don't give any money to THEM, why should I give any to you?"