The other question that I had was whether or not she knew that the offer of money constituted an illegal solicitation (at least in the eyes of the airlines).
While on one hand the offer of money added to her legitimacy, on the other hand it also created a serious problem.

I have had a number of FlyerTalkers, as well as relatives, my church, and even my airlines, ask me for free tickets over the years, and it never upsets me when it happens. I always respond politely, if not alway as generously as they would like. When the cause sounds really good, I have been know to spring for it myself and ask other FlyerTalkers to join in the cause, so I don't really see any harm in asking.