Charitable Contribution: Value of a Baked Potato

[Burke]

Just curious:

If someone wishes to give "several hundred dollars" to a church, why even bother with getting a darn baked potato for their efforts??
It boggles my imagination that some saintly bookkeeper at the church would have to take time to send out a pile of IRS-sanctioned receipts for "baked potatoes."
While we all (should) know how to handle charitable contributions and de minimis gifts (think PBS and a cheap coffee mug), this entire scenario seems a bit off the deep end.
FE

Everyone understood what the fundraiser was for; the baked potato was just their way of making it a fun event. There may have been a brownie involved as well for those not wanting carbs. The church has to send out receipts anyway (if $250 or more) or include the amts on the annual receipt documentation.

[Gary2]

There may have been a brownie involved as well for those not wanting carbs.

According to caloriecount.about.com, a brownie is 65% carbs, a baked potato is only 17.6%.

Perhaps they need a nutritionist more than a tax advisor.

[JohnH]

Not if it's a brownie made from finely ground pine cone flour.

[Gary2]

Not if it's a brownie made from finely ground pine cone flour.

Perhaps also if it includes finely chopped vegetable material (legal under state law in CO), but then you can't eat just one.

[Burke]

According to caloriecount.about.com, a brownie is 65% carbs, a baked potato is only 17.6%.

Now there's something else I didn't know! See what you learn on this forum from an seemingly innocuous question? And a new website to follow, as well......