Rather than donating money himself, he attracted donations from individuals and institutions he had done business with, or helped out in some way, then used this money to send out checks that bore the Trump Foundation's name.
Because these "bundlers," as they're known, are raising rather than donating money, Romney is not required to disclose who they are.
"It seems more brand resonant for the philanthropy to be linked to eyeglasses rather than donating the money to charter schools or health care," said Bugg-Levine.
Why, after all, would any Bush supporter go to the trouble of running independent ads rather than donating the money directly to the Bush campaign?
In 2001 the museum lost out on the collection of Nathan Smooke, a former museum trustee and industrial real-estate developer whose heirs sold much of his collection rather than donating it.
While some may question spending nearly $500 for an hour of glorious sound -- rather than donating that money to the needy -- it is not an issue for congregations that see music as conveying religious values.
"I told him that I didn't think that was something that I was going to consider... and that I was a real fan of Reaganomics and felt that President Reagan himself would rather see me sell it rather than donating it," the statement said.
"Rather than donating some shrubs to the sensory garden which they did the year before last, they're now suggesting doing something sporty - thanks to the Paralympics.
Rather than donate drugs, these groups argue, Pfizer instead should lower the price of a needed medicine and allow inexpensive generics into the market.
For instance, suppose I spend my spare evening (and spare income) going to the movies rather than donating the time and money to a charity which could thus have saved someone's life.
