Politicians are now debating the questions of who did what during the Vietnam War, and who has done the most for veterans.
The first answer may well be determined by the electorate. But we have a nomination for the second: Max Hart, who since 1969 has raised $1.7 billion for the aid of disabled vets.
This figure came out late last month during a dinner at the National Press Club in Washington commemorating Max’s recent retirement as head of direct marketing for Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
As with any retirement dinner, the evening featured many send-ups. Max was roasted by Paul Clolery, Geoffrey Peters, Kelly Browning, Lindy Litrides, Larry May, Chris Cleghorn and Neal Denton. The event was co-sponsored by May Development Services, The NonProfit Times and Disabled American Veterans.
But one thing remained after the laughs were over and the proclamations read: That Max did a heroic job for some of the most worthy but ignored members of our society — those who have shed their blood for their country.
Max described DAV contributors several years ago as “God-fearing people, salt of the earth, more responsible than younger folks who were not around or didn’t know what was happening when those things occurred.” He meant World War II and the Korean War.
But there have been several flare-ups since then, and a new crop of injured vets is now being shipped home from Iraq. DAV helps every disabled veteran, whether or not the injury was sustained in combat — the only requirement is that it happen during a time of war or conflict.
Max worked at R.L. Polk for several years before making the leap to DAV. As he admitted, he wondered if he was doing the right thing.
In addition to his direct mail skills, he brought two qualities to the table. One was sheer doggedness, the other thrift. He battled the post office for every dollar and pressured vendors for concessions.
He didn’t do this to put money in his pocket. He did it so the funds would go toward helping those who needed it.
Contrary to myth, fundraisers like Max are paid a fraction of what they would be worth in the commercial sector. You have to believe in what you’re doing to serve a group like DAV. Maybe it has to do with the fact that Max is an Army vet himself.
But veterans were not the only people to benefit from his generosity of spirit. He also led the fight for revenue forgone, and for every other form of relief sought by nonprofits over the years. For that alone, he deserves the place awarded him years ago in the DMA Hall of Fame. And he has spent many hours patiently explaining the details of these issues to reporters like me.
Congratulations, Max, on a well-earned retirement.
We hope we hear from you again real soon.
Network
