President Scott Schultz shares his views and values.
The following is just my opinion, but, as I write this, the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art have been transformed. A world-class, architectural and cultural wonder has been replaced by a grotesque, over-the-top staging structure that will house the upcoming NFL Draft. Apparently, it will cost $20-$25 million to put on a show that will transition 253 young student athletes to professional status. For what it’s worth, this seems a bit obscene to me. I know that in the scheme of things, it isn’t a lot of money. For some of the lucky draftees, they will make that back in a year or two. But most won’t. (The average salary in the NFL is under $2 million, and NFL careers, on average, last three years.)
Just think of what our long-term client, St Vincent Meals on Wheels, could do with $25 million. It would be a game-changer. They could deliver hot meals to each of their 3,000+ clients every day for over three years—all for the cost of a weekend on the steps of the Art Museum! Don’t get me wrong—I am not mad at football. And certainly not at the athletes whose lives will be completely changed by this time next week. I also understand the appropriateness of standing on Rocky’s steps to receive your ticket to fame and fortune. But, c’mon man, $25 million on a three-day event in a city where four out of ten children live under the poverty level, 50% of high school students never graduate and arts organizations are under-funded and under-appreciated. I just think our priorities are twisted. But, again, that’s just my opinion.
Founded in 1987, Schultz & Williams is a national consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits of every size and sector achieve financial stability, meet organizational goals and support greater mission impact. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, Schultz & Williams also has operations in Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco CA, and Washington, D.C.
