Where Should I Donate?
By Terri Rupar
Washington Post Staff Writer
At a bar in Adams Morgan on a recent Saturday night, Miss D.C. USA was cracking jokes onstage when she was joined by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mike Ditka, Ron Burgundy from “Anchorman” and Milton from “Office Space” — or, at least, their mustachioed look-alikes.
Young revelers had paid a $10 cover to get into the bar for a charity event called the Glorious ManPageant. The evening was organized by the Society of Mature Adults Seeking to Help, Entertain and Donate, known as SMASHED. It raised $3,500 that went to Capital Queen for a Day, a local organization that sends beauty pageant contestants out to hospitals to host special events for pediatric cancer patients.
While many of the patrons showed up mostly for the mustaches and beers, SMASHED was quite serious about where their contributions would go. It takes a careful look at the groups it singles out for donations. Kate Larned, 29, a charity coordinator for SMASHED, said the organization compiles as much information as possible on each charity it chooses.
With about 1 million charities worldwide, it’s important to carefully vet the organizations you select for your donations. Matching your heart to the right group can be complicated and time-consuming. And giving to a charity that turns out not to satisfy your goals or, worse, makes off with your money can sour the experience.