Our lips are sealed

Last night before dinner, Ann pulled Lindy aside with a sneaky look on her face. I wasn’t quite sure what to think when Ann told me that they "were going to the laundry room to have a private conversation." (Big words for someone who's still got two weeks left in first grade!) Off they went to huddle by the washing machine. With great restraint, I did not eavesdrop, even though I was dying of curiosity. How much trouble can a seven-year-old and a four-year-old get into, anyway?

Confidentiality is not to be taken lightly. At the Community Foundation, all information about the more than 2,200 charitable funds under our umbrella is strictly confidential. Sometimes, certain donors permit us to tell their stories in publications, which we sure appreciate. Other than that, the only information we ever release about a fund to the public--or, for that matter, to anyone other than authorized users on the account--is to list the name of the fund in our annual report. Of course, donors may choose to opt out of the annual report listing, remaining completely anonymous. Not only is confidentiality an integral part of the Community Foundation's core values, but it is also a perk for the individuals, families, and businesses who establish foundations with us. (By contrast, information about private foundations is readily available on the Web. Not so private!)

As for the under cover laundry room operation, what do you think? Should I ask Ann or Lindy to spill the beans, or keep my lips sealed?