Girl Scout cookie sales

St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson sent parishioners and fellow priests a letter condemning the Girl Scouts. He encouraged parents to seek alternatives to the more than 100-year-old organization formed to support young girls. He even hinted that they shouldn’t even buy those inexplicably tasty cookies. Why? Because the Girl Scouts are doing the devil’s work by teaching young women about their own bodies and their own health care. And everyone knows health care education should be left to old men in strange little hats who’ve never been anywhere near a uterus or a woman’s body.

Archbishop Robert Carlson

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri happened to be holding an annual fundraiser shortly after the letter was released and went viral. The result? Record-breaking sales:

After St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson encouraged Catholics to dissociate from the organization, The Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri broke records at their annual fundraising event, where donors munched on various sweet treats inspired by Girl Scout cookies. The event brought in over $350,000, which tops every previous fundraiser the regional group has held, including the one that celebrated the organization's 100th anniversary.

Whoa! Longtime donors and new donors stepped up to support the #1 organization for young women in America:

Much of the money was collected during the traditional paddle raise, where individuals publicly pledge cash donations. Donations from the paddle raise more than doubled to $93,000 from $42,000 last year.

Needless to say, area Girl Scout leaders are pleased:

“Community support has been very affirming,” said Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri CEO Bonnie Barczykowski, who lamented the erosion of a 100-year partnership with the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

It would seem Archbishop Carlson’s letter backfired. Big time. And that is fantastic for the young women of St. Louis.