Question:
Joe Smith paid $500.00 to attend a fund raiser for a qualified charity 100 miles from home. At the fund raiser he purchased a painting at a silent auction for $1000.00. The fair market value of the painting was $250.00 and the dinner was $50.00. While at the fund raiser he met the governor and contributed $500.00 to the governor's re-election campaign. How much can Joe claim as a charitable contribution deduction? Why?