Except for the fact I just checked the company registration for AZ and MO and the disclosure states that only 40% of donations actually go to the charity. Now that's just disgusting!
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.
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.
I just got a call from this number where a man asked for the owner of the business, however, the man he asked for hasn't been here for 15 years and died last April. I informed him of this fact and then he said that he was the son of the deceased. I told him that the deceased man didn't have any son's, and he then told me that he was given up for adoption when he was a baby. I asked him if he was serious, and he said, "I'm sorry, I can't talk right now," and then hung up. I doubt this was real, and after googling this phone number, I seriously doubt it and am really angry! I just want you all to know to not deal with anyone with this phone number because they are not good people.
Called them back. The outgoing message says "donor services". After their rap about all the good they've done, I left a message to remove my number form all of their calling lists.