Last Saturday, I participated in my first ever Take Steps, Be Heard Crohn’s and Colitis walk.  I was excited. Through the generosity of family friends, I raised $295.00.  The big day rolled around.  The skies were threatening rain, but it only sprinkled.  When we got downtown to the civic plaza it was empty.  There were people there, but I was expecting a whole lot more.  So despite the very low turnout, I was determined to make the best of the day. I met the new executive director for the southwest chapters.  He seemed really nice.  He has Ulcerative Colitis.  He told me he is passionate about finding a cure for the diseases that we at times make us suffer.  I was impressed.  After the walk in which myself, my husband and boys walked at the pack of the small group, there were sandwiches and chips.  There was a lot of food leftover.  Obviously a lot more people were expected.  The executive director asked if I knew of any group that could use the sandwiches.  I said well sure.  We could give them to the homeless.  Unfortunately, there is a large homeless population in Albuquerque.  He looked at me and said don’t feed the animals.  I was shocked.  I just stood there.  I didn’t know what to say.  I said well we usually try to help as much as we can.  I think he knew what he said was not pc and if he was making a joke it wasn’t funny.  After that comment, I just wanted to get out of there.  I took the sandwiches and the box of chips and we drove down to the Rescue Mission.  My husband went inside and asked if they could use them.  They said of course.  There were men, women and children waiting for dinner.  Two kids ran up to him and asked if they could have some of the food.  Those were the animals the executive director was talking about.  I kick myself that I didn’t say something.  I just couldn’t get past it.  After two days, I finally emailed the national walk coordinator whom I met at the walk.  I got a quick response. She was at another walk in North Carolina, however, she is going to call me.   I just can’t imagine anyone let alone an executive director of a non profit organization saying something so insensitive.  Did I do the right thing? What would you have done?