Should companies promote charitable giving?

My spouse called me from his office on Monday to tell me to arrange for a sitter (aka Grandpa) to watch our son on Thursday night. He was just invited to a wine tasting event where some of his company’s executives would be attending. I could tell that he was excited at the opportunity and anxious that his individual contributor title would interfere in networking with Senior Directors and Vice Presidents. While one of my strengths is being able to work a room and make lots of small talk, my spouse is more likely to find one person and hold 'em hostage for a night talking about the same topic. I made the arrangements, put on a new dress, and was prepared to play the role of the supportive wife.

Last night, we showed up a local hotel to mingle with influential people in his company. Imagine our surprise when we walked into a charity event with a live auction, silent auction, and goal of raising more than ten thousand dollars for the cause. I turned to my spouse and whispered “Awkward.”

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