Aidan sent in these comments on Williams’ contribution to North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH):

I think you underestimate the real value of NARH’s contribution to the College Community. Without the patient efforts of hospital staffers Thursday and Saturday nights, I’m sure Williams would have some alcohol related fatalities, and maybe even would have lost a couple prefrosh this year. So, 1 million dollars is a small price to pay for a clear conscience, and who knows, better stomach pumps might benefit all the community, not just college kids who can’t hold their liquor. In any case, 1 million dollars is a good deal less than the wrongful death lawsuit that would result from an alcohol-related fatality.

To be honest, I can’t quite tell if Aidan’s comments are serious or satirical or both. If the former, the key point is that, even if Williams didn’t contribute, there would still be a NARH with an emergency room and stomach pumps. The probability of an alcohol related fatality and/or a wrongful death lawsuit is not meaningful influenced by this contribution.

But, again, the question is one of scale. There is a temptation in any organization with significant financial resources, like Williams, to find too many worthwhile projects to spend money on. If a hospital is so important, why shouldn’t Williams give $2 million or $10 million or a $100 million? To my mind, the best answer is that Williams should give no cash gift to ant charity greater than, say, $100,000.

It goes without saying, but I’ll mention it anyway, that Williams has an affirmative obligation to be open and forthright in its giving. Once I can determine how much the College gives and to whom the College gives it, I’ll post the information here.