In today’s Daily News, Joanna Molloy rips into J.Lo for not donating any money to Holy Family School, the Catholic elementary school that she attended in the Bronx.
You could definitely argue that Jenny could show some love to kids from her borough, if she hasn’t done so already.
And I have heard complaints before. The former president of a major NY Hispanic organization coordinating a charity event said that years ago, she wound up saying “no, thanks” to Jenny and her handlers after they made too many demands.
But if J. Lo hasn’t given any money to the school she attended — something that would seem like a no-brainer for any charitable celebrity–then the question that must be asked is why not?
Among the answers: Maybe she had a bad experience at the school? Or maybe she is wary of how funds would be managed?
Who knows? Either way, every wealthy celebrity could probably spread a little bit more love.
And a reminder: charity helps but it’s not a fundamental solution to inequity in resources in the Bronx or elsewhere. I think it was Isabel Allende who told Charlie Rose in an interview, “charity does not replace justice.”
I’d like to see all wealthy folks be generous. I’d also like to see them lobbying hard on Capitol Hill to make sure struggling families are not left behind.