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One of the perennial questions of philosophy is whether the definition of "moral act" entails that it be done for the right reasons. A utilitarian like John Stuart Mill thinks not. So long as your action redounds to the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people, the action’s ethical status is not altered by, say, ulterior motives. A deontologist like Immanuel Kant, on the other hand, argued that truly moral actions must be done from a disinterested sense of duty, leading Schiller to quip: "Gladly I serve my friends, but alas I also do it with pleasure. Hence I am plagued with doubt that I am not a virtuous person" and "Sure, your only resource is to try to despise them entirely, and then with aversion to do what your duty enjoins you."
Whatever your philosophical convictions, a number of charitable events are around the corner, each of which makes doing your part a pleasurable prospect.
Eat your heart out Oscar Mayer Wienermobile: Sprecher Brewery has enhanced its Traveling Beer Gardens. This fleet of fire trucks, ambulances and a bus have been converted to serve Sprecher beers, sodas, malt beverages (including Hard Apple Pie) and food items. From May 20 through Sept. 7 the Traveling Beer Gardens will be making eight stops in Milwaukee County Parks—but the summer kicks off in earnest on May 14 with the Sprecher Brewing Company Rescue Fleet Roll Out. From 5-8 p.m. the public is invited to view the rescue fleet, enjoy samples, take photos, purchase food and beverages and generally have a mini-summer holiday. A portion of the proceeds from sales at this event will be donated to the North Shore Fire Rescue Foundation and $4 from every purchase of Sprecher’s rescue t-shirts goes directly to the North Shore Fire Rescue Foundation. The event takes place at Sprecher Brewing Company, 701 W. Glendale Ave.
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Nepal is in a bad way. Since the earthquake on April 25, more than 8,000 have died and a second major quake struck the battered country today. The great distance and the enormity of the disaster can easily lead to a feeling of powerlessness that makes it all too easy to look the other way. Thiensville establishments Glaze Pottery Studio and the Cheel, an authentic Nepali restaurant, have joined forces to help lessen the suffering. On Tuesday, May 19, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., a fundraiser will be held at Glaze. For the suggested $50 donation, participants will paint a chevron vase, enjoy traditional Nepalese appetizers and will have the opportunity to speak with a native of Kathmandu about the current conditions in her country. Proceeds will procure much needed food, water, shelter, blankets and hygiene kits.
A map of Milwaukee’s neighborhoods shows a vast patchwork of angular swatches that look like a harlequin’s motley attire. Artists Working in Education (A.W.E.), a local organization dedicated to nurturing the imaginations of Milwaukee youth, is hosting its second annual bus tour. Milwaukee neighborhood enthusiast Adam Carr will lead a tour from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 through Washington Park, Borchert Field and Riverwest/Harambee neighborhoods, not to mention the nooks and crannies in between. Participants will get a look at several newly completed A.W.E. public art projects such as the storytelling space created in a previously vacant lot at Ninth and Burleigh. Children from the LaFollette Boys & Girls Club worked with local artists Blanche Brown and Mikal Floyd-Pruitt to create benches and artistic towers in the space. Food samples and beverages will be provided. The tour departs from and returns to the A.W.E. offices located at 4315 W. Vliet St.
For more information call 414-933-3877 or visit A.W.E.'s website. Tickets are $35 per person or $50 for VIPs. A VIP ticket includes an A.W.E. greeting card pack, drink coupon for ArtBar in Riverwest (a stop on the tour) and a chance to win a two-hour Truck Studio visit for a family/corporate/community event. Tickets can be purchased at the A.W.E. offices or via eventbrite.com.
