The question of ethics came up between a friend and I and I would like a third opinion.

I occasionally speak to groups about currency and collecting, mainly because I enjoy it and might even draw in a few new collectors. My daughter wanted to show her class my banknotes with Saddam on them and ended up taking my Middle East collection. This sparked interest and I was asked to do a presentation to the whole 5th grade at her school (260 kids). After thinking about it I said OK. I got with a dealer friend and he acquired some inexpensive wrappers (100 notes) of foreign currency as well as put together some misc. assortments of notes. I did six one-hour presentations and gave away over 900 banknotes to the kids. All of the expenses came out of my own pocket. I was a huge hit with the kids and the faculty seemed to be impressed in that they asked if I would speak every year to each of the grades, and were willing to pay for my services. After thinking about it, it occurred to me that my company would match (actually double) any contribution I make to an educational institution (and many other qualifying places). I have as much fun as the kids and love giving out money they have never seen. So, the question is would it be ethical to say charge $250 per grade then donate the $250 back to the school with an additional $500 grant from my company? I still end up doing it for free, the kids love it, the school gets a few bucks for something outside their budget, and I love to weasel money from my company’s death grip (even if it not me who gets it)! NOW multiply this times 3 grades …. Total for the school $1500 plus $750 in services (me speaking and getting their money back). What’s your opinion? A friend and me differ in opinion. He thinks it's like working a scam, I say I get paid, I donate money, and company matches it peroid, nothing hidden, everything within the guide lines.

PS I DID offer to show my chip collection.... THAT was QUICKLY declined! LOL