I've "worked" for Medallion for 2 years. Just a few points:
Medallion IS a professional fundraiser, but only certain states require us by law to disclose this information. It is "legitimate", I suppose, but like any other paid fundraiser, little of your donation will be received by the charity being solicited. Typically 5% of your first contribution, 50% of any contribution after that.
Not saying you shouldn't contribute, just stating a few facts.
If you get a call it will likely be the first of many, DO NOT JUST HANG UP. Sometimes that will stop the calling, for instance if I call and you hang up on me you will be resulted as a turndown. But because I work with idiots, some of my coworkers will put your name in "Not In" instead of "Turndown" so my supervisor reassigns leads and we recall people who were not contacted 2-3 hours ago. Usually I'm fortunate enough to be the one to call you the second time and get the verbal beatdown that really needs to go to Joe Blow sitting across the aisle from me. But always answer if you can and ask to be taken off the list because Medallion will DEFINATELY try back at a later time.
Tip: When this happens, and it will, try not to get rude. Not for my sake, you will not hurt my feelings and I'll do my job correctly regardless, but some people take it personally and again...will just put you in "Not In" or "Answering Machine" so we're back at square one. Instead, ask to be put on the Do Not Call List. As horrible as Medallion is they actually have a strict DNC procedure, the caller will tell you their manager needs to get on the line to take you off the list...don't hang up, this will take less than a minute and will actually be done so it's worth the 5 second wait. When the supervisor gets on the line tell them you want off the calling list for Special Olympics and for EVERY OTHER CHARITY that the company calls for (hundreds)--a global lockout.
If I call at a bad time, which will definately happen, try to keep in mind that I do not choose who I call, when I call them, or know how many times you've been called already. I work with many very dumb people and cannot help it.
I go to college and work at a place where I can do homework on the clock while making a very good wage. It's nothing personal, and I promise to quit as soon as I get my degree, but until then...I hope this helps.
"The caller then started in on a scripted dissertation on how society has not valued people whose mental capacity is not "normal". If you cannot give me the common courtesy of an upfront honest request without all the guilt laden preaching then count me out."
Let me guess: They said that the athletes were "disabled, but not unable" OR "for years society has focused on what the handicapped cannot do, Special Olympics wants to turn that around and give them a chance to show what they CAN accomplish in life..." All of this crap (which I feel too awkward to say so choose not to) is meant to "pull on your heart strings", Medallion lingo for taking your mind off an amount of money mentioned and onto the cause/need. Always said after levels are pitched and before asking which level you can help with. Lame.
Received a call from Medallion about the Special Olympics. I asked how much of the donation actually goes to the Special Olympics. A supervisor came on and said they work on an hourly charge basis - about $23 per hour. So anything received over that goes to the charity. Sounds reasonable, so I donated.
Seriously, you people need to stop calling. I'm busy working and I don't have the time to play your stupid games, calling pretnding your calling from a different company, and acting all vague when I ask for details. I can fricken tell your calling from a telemarketing service when I can hear noise in the background and you refuse to tell me why you're calling. I'm not stupid. All it takes is a google search. So stop calling! We have work to do! You're just pissing us off into not donating to anything ever!