The United Way realized that it had never received a donation from the city's most successful lawyer, so a United Way volunteer paid the lawyer a visit at his lavish office.  The volunteer opened the meeting by saying, "Our research shows that even though your annual income is more than $2 million, you have not given a penny to charity.  Wouldn't you like to give something back to your community, through the United Way?" 
     The lawyer thought for a moment and said, "First, did your research also show you that my mother is dying, after a long and painful illness, and that she has huge medical bills that are far beyond her ability to pay?"  Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbled, "Uh....no, I didn't know that."
     "Secondly," the lawyer continued, "my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair, and is unable to support his wife and six children."  The deflated volunteer began to stammer an apology, but was cut off.  "Thirdly, did your research show that my sister's husband died in a horrific car accident, leaving her penniless, with a mortgage and three children, one of whom is disabled, and another that has learning disabilities that require a huge array of private tutors?" 
     The United Way rep, completely humiliated, answered, "I'm so sorry, I had no idea."  To which the lawyer replied, "So, if I didn't give any money to them, what makes you think I'd give any money to you?"