Comments on: Here Comes the Fruitcake!

By: Drew McLellan

Drew McLellan — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:11:10 +0000

Steve,
That’s a great compromise– more personal than just choosing a charity but still avoiding the ball cap with your logo on it faux pas.
Great idea…I’ll bet you have quite a collection of stories.
Drew

By: Steve Roesler

Steve Roesler — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 01:33:53 +0000

Hi, Drew,
Here’s what we’ve done for the past 12 years:
Each year I sit down with 3 or 4 clergy in the area between Philadelphia and New York City. (We do the bulk of our business in that corridor).
These folks have first-hand knowledge of families who have very specific financial needs due to sometimes unimaginable crises.
We pick 3 to help. At Christmas, we contribute a portion of our revenues to the 3 selected. However: it is done in the name of specific clients, since that is where the money originated (for which we are thankful!).
Finally, we send a greeting card and letter to each client, explaining that a percentage of their business with us has been given to help alleviate the distress of a particular family. The letter describes the situation and how the money will help provide relief.
This has been a joy for us, and the long-time clients look forward to hearing the new stories each year.
I never liked fruitcake myself:-)

By: Bill Bailey

Bill Bailey — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 20:53:18 +0000

Hey, I'm diabetic too! I'm using the diet at http://www.weightlossdude.com which includes some recipies for healthy living too!

By: Ann Handley

Ann Handley — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:49:09 +0000

Except one year, David (and a few others) sent me a pony.
(….oh wait — that was my birthday. Never mind….!)

By: David Reich

David Reich — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 15:05:22 +0000

I send cards this time of year, not too early like at Thanksgiving. Yes, the cards do benefit a charity.

By: cam beck

cam beck — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 13:53:02 +0000

To Paul’s example, “We won’t be giving you a gift this year because, as your vendor, that would mean we were overcharging you. Thank you for helping us put an end to profiteering.”

By: Drew McLellan

Drew McLellan — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 02:11:26 +0000

David,
I’m pretty sure that buying those cards IS a charitable donation, isn’t it?
Do you send them this time of year or are you one of those Thanksgiving Day card senders?
Drew

By: David Reich "my 2 cents"

David Reich "my 2 cents" — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:08:06 +0000

I usually just send a card with a personal note.
The idea of making a donation to a charity is a good one, though. What I usually do is buy cards that are connected to a charity, like from Ronald McDonald House or UNICEF. I won’t do a “trendy” organization like Susan G. Komen, since I don’t feel like being a me-too.
Drew, I’ll definitely pass on the fruitcake.

By: Drew McLellan

Drew McLellan — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:21:59 +0000

Joe,
The photography idea is a great one. As a MN native…I know how beautiful the scenery is there, so I’m sure the shots were remarkable.
You bring up a good point — we don’t have to give everyone the same gift.
Any idea of what those discretionary gifts were?
Drew

By: Drew McLellan

Drew McLellan — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:19:16 +0000

Harry,
It’s hard to argue with a charitable gift. How do you “package” that gift in terms of telling clients what you’re doing?
Drew