# Ruth Bader Ginsburg Award-Has it been corrupted?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruth-bader-ginsburg-award-has-it-been-corrupted/998972>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [March 18, 2024, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruth-bader-ginsburg-award-has-it-been-corrupted/998972 "2024-03-18T07:12:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\
**Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruth-bader-ginsburg-award-has-it-been-corrupted/998972/21 "2024-03-22T01:57:06Z")

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> [@Buck\_Godot](#):
>
> I read somewhere that the purpose of these awards is to have an excuse to throw a big party and invite a bunch celebrities that you and your rich friends can get to hobnob with

The typical reason for big galas is money. Donations to your pet cause, or awarding money to someone for what they have done to encourage others to do more, or awarding money to someone who shows promise of using that money in a way you desire. Plus a side course in social politics, i.e. making connections and informal approaches for business deals.

Getting to invite celebrities to hobnob with is a bonus.

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**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\
**Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruth-bader-ginsburg-award-has-it-been-corrupted/998972/22 "2024-03-22T02:49:14Z")

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Here is the quote from the Washington Post ([gift link](https://wapo.st/43vSwKn)) on which I based my post

> It has become a hallmark of elite society events to hand out awards — whose grand names often belie their short histories — in hopes of guaranteeing that the celebrities they honor will show up.
> 
> The dispute over the Ginsburg Award is a rare occasion when the actual meaning and mission of one of these prizes has come under question.
> 
> Washington’s wealthy frequently use galas and other lavish events to gain social clout.
> 
> “Many people who have acquired a lot of money don’t just want to be rich,” said Kevin Chaffee, a senior editor for Washington Life Magazine. “They also want to be important.”

Does anyone know what the money raised by the Gala was supposed to go to? If that was the most important bit you think it would be front and center.

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**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\
**Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ruth-bader-ginsburg-award-has-it-been-corrupted/998972/23 "2024-03-22T03:08:09Z")

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> [@Irishman](#):
>
> Getting to invite celebrities to hobnob with is a bonus.

I imagine celebrities are a great way to draw in big donors. For people that can buy anything, you have to offer them something not on the market.

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