"Whoever said money can't buy happiness didn't know where to go shopping." -Bo Derek

Ah, yes. Money. The root of all evil, it makes the world go 'round. We all need it. And charities survive by making the most convincing case to those that have a little extra. The most worthy cause usually wins (and the giver determines the worth).

Legally, a charity in the public trust is called a 501(c)3 organization. This refers to the section of the IRS Code that grants tax exemption for certain groups, so long as they continue to perform a charitable activity. As a further point of interest, the "best" charities have a very low overhead amount. Simply put, the more of your dollar that goes to the "cause", the better the charity is.

AIP’s Charity Rating Guide recommends that in most cases 60% or more of your charitable donation should go to program services. Less than 40% should be spent on general administration and fundraising costs. (reference: American Institute of Philanthropy) Considering that the "rally cry" of the MAO faithful is SCHOLARSHIP SCHOLARSHIP SCHOLARSHIP ... how much of the money raised each year goes to pay scholarships? How much is used on the production and stage show? Are the prizes and support that Miss Ohio is given proportionate to the annual revenue? How much debt has the program accumulated?

When you give a donation to MOSP or MAO (shorthand for Miss Ohio Scholarship Program and Miss America Organization), know what your money funds. Be an informed consumer.