Charities and special interest groups

When I started my business I started to get barraged from every special interest group and charity looking for donations. The funny thing is I that actually make less than minimum wage but because you are labeled as a "business owner" for some reason people think you are rich.
Regardless, I get calls from every local organization with some cause. In the beginning I gave to all of them so I wouldn't feel "cheap" but then it started getting stupid.
I'm sorry, but I really don't give a flying shit about school sports.
I just don't.
Matter of fact, I can't stand football players and cheerleaders.
I had to put my foot down and figure out what groups were important to me. Organizations to who you donate to sort of form of who you are as a business person.There are lots of causes that are out there that are wonderful and worthwhile but I go for animal welfare organizations.
The organization(s) I found that meant the most to me are:
Angel Memorial animal hospital (ASPCA) & the Meuthen's local shelter branch
Oasis Foundation (bird rescue and sanctuary)
Gabriel Foundation (bird rescue and sanctuary)
Audubon Society
Yes, animal shelters are something I care about. There are other smaller shelters I have donated to as well. I also attend the "fur ball" auction sponsored by the local Merrimack Feline rescue. They are big on spaying cats. Volunteers catch feral cats, spay and neuter them. Cat populations have gotten out of control. Overpopulation of cats has severely effected the song bird population. I, myself, have rescued birds that had been attacked by outdoor cats so this group is good for controlling the overpopulation of feral cats.
I also attend the annual "parrot Festival" in Texas. It is massive fundraiser for the National Parrot Research and rescue. It is quite an event.
It is interesting where life leads you. Don't you think?

* photo: Long Island parrot society's annual bird show 2005