I received some choice words after asserting that Eli Lilly CEO John Lechleiter's million dollar gift to United Way was motivated, in part, by the healthcare debate. In response, I wanted to say that I know people give to charity out of generosity, so I do not mean to discount that component.
BUT....
Mr. Lechleiter could have donated anonymously and asked his family, friends, and fellow executives to do the same thing. He didn't.
Mr. Lechleiter, as board chair for United Way, could have given the donation publicly while instructing the organization NOT to issue a press release. He didn't.
Mr. Lechleiter, as board chair for United Way, could have said, "You know what? Issue a press release, but don't refer to me or Mr. Santini as Lilly executives, and also, don't include a whole paragraph at the bottom of the release ABOUT Lilly. He didn't. (Seriously, look at the release. Why is there a paragraph about Lilly when the company didn't make the donation?).
Mr. Lechleiter (and his wife) committed to give more money NOW than before, even though his Wife has been involved with the agency at least since 2003, and even though United Way receipts were down last year, too.
Mr. Lechleiter is keenly aware of the public perception of big pharma. In September of 2008, he gave a speech to the Economic Club of Indiana during which he stated that one of the 800-pound gorillas in the room is (and I quote), “The Image of the Pharmaceutical Industry” … and he is one ugly dude! He can barely win a beauty contest against tobacco or Big Oil … and that’s saying something!"
Mr. Lechleiter made his commitment NOW, even though the press release stated that the United Way's annual campaign has not begun.
It just so happens that NOW is when Congress is talking about voting on a massive overhaul of the healthcare industry.
I have heard legions of stories about how generous Mr. Lechleiter is. I cannot dispute that, though it sures seems easier to give $250,000 when you make $13 million per year (1.9% of your total income), doesn't it?
But if you can read all of this and say this is JUST philanthropy in operation and nothing more, you're either naive as hell, benefitting from Eli Lilly somehow financially, or somebody I need to hang out with more frequently for inspiration because you have a shockingly optimistic take on people that is refreshing. Let me know when you want to get a beer.
