In the Union-Tribune here in San Diego, there was a story about a guy that bought a signed print for charity. It was a signed, limited edition print of a leaping mahi mahi, and went for $60 for Promises 2 Kids, which benefits abused children.

He Googled the Ohio artist, and discovered Ruthven was a renowned wildlife painter that had works in the White House, Smithsonian, Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum, and other prestiges places.

This guy even contacted the artist's wife, who said the print was worth 15 times that price.

And the piece came from an unlikely source. Former San Diego Mayor Susan Golding (who recently refused to let me attend a charity benefit with singer Jewel, as the paper I write for once wrote some negative things about her).

She reads the charity and donated the unframed print, which her father had owned.

It just goes to show...sometimes it pays to help out a charity.