I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed doing this story on philanthropy. I would have to say it was one of my favorite topics ever.

As a business reporter, it is a special treat to research a topic that focuses on individual and corporate efforts to help society—not just making money.

I was blown away by the musical talent of the kids I met at Mount Carmel Holy Rosary. When I say most of these kids come from disadvantaged backgrounds, you have no idea of the degree of poverty. According to Education Through Music, the median household in East Harlem is under $10,000 a year. The principal told me many kids at the school live in the projects nearby and the vast majority cannot afford school lunch, which is under $2.00/day. Yet they are now learning about music—and some plan to try out for the Julliard School for Performing Arts.

What is especially striking is the school is less than a mile from the Upper East Side, one of the richest neighborhoods in the nation.

One thing that I didn’t include in tonight’s piece was Education Through Music’s Executive Director Katherine Damkohler’s response to my question, “What do you see as the next step for your organization.” Damkohler answered, “I hope we go out of business.” She went on to elaborate that she hopes all schools appreciate the value of the arts, so that there becomes no need for programs like hers. Sadly, more and more schools are dropping enrichment classes for lack of funding, and not just in poor areas.

The premise of Education Through Music is that music education helps overall academic learning. But I think enrichment courses are of value for their own sake. You shouldn’t have to justify an arts or gym class. School shouldn’t be all academics all the time. A well-rounded student is a better student, in my opinion. For some kids, an art or music or gym class can be the carrot that gets them go to school each morning.

One disappointing fact, in my opinion, is that corporate philanthropy has remained at 1% of pre-tax income a year—for the past 40 years. In a country where many CEOs make unfathomable amounts of money, why don’t firms give more? There are a few standouts, beyond the 5% club in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Newman’s Own, for example, gives all of its profits to charitable causes. But that’s the other extreme.

Do you think I’m being too harsh against Corporate America? Do you think consumers should make it a priority to support companies that have strong charitable ties? Would you buy Newman’s Own over Prego marinara sauce, knowing the money goes to charity? Or, in this uncertain climate, do you want to save as much money as you can? What are your thoughts?