as i re-read this piece, that the conversation i relate in the opening raises an interesting question that i don't address at the end. so, i'll close that circle here.

Is competative philanthropy an effective means of getting people to give, particularly smaller donors? Based on this conversation, I'd say "no." We don't give to keep up with the Joneses, we give because the Joneses, who we like, ask us to give. In short, it would be more effective for Kurtzman to send an email to all of his close friends, asking them to do him a favor and make a donation, rather than telling an anonymous crowd of Jewcy readers of his grand deed.