Proceeds

Anytime I hear the phrases it’s a “Worthy Cause” and “Proceeds Go to Charity,” I think of Fagin, the anti-hero in the musical Oliver: 

  “Robin Hood, what a crook! 

Gave away, what he took. 

Charity's fine, subscribe to mine. 

Get out and pick-a-pocket or two.“

In Mel Brooks’ movie “Men in Tights” Cary Elves as Robin Hood says,

“We steal from the rich and give to the poor, minus ten percent for expenses.” 

 Some charities do as Elves’ character, but take much more than ten percent. 

 The term “Proceeds” has two major definitions: 

1.The total amount brought in; and 

2. The net amount received after deduction of any discount or charges. 

 A typical example of the first is a community bake sale where people donate their cakes and pies, and presumably all of the money received

goes to the “worthy” cause. 

  On the other hand, where restaurants host an evening to support a cause, what the hell does “proceeds” mean?  Certainly not definition #1, and how would anyone calculate #2? After food costs? Costs of labor?   

 Here is a list of unworthy charities with look-alike names, which give “proceeds” to another fake charity: 

 https://smartasset.com/mortgage/the-50-worst-charities-in-america-how-to-keep-from-being-scammed