I agree with most the post as this is a very-self gratifying thread. BUT.... This isnt a bad idea....If you really want to do some good with 50 grand use a little bit every year as a hiking scholarship. There are lots of deserving people who would love to thru hike but dont have the funds. you could give 3,000/year to a deserving individual to attempt a thru hike that you fund as they go up to that 3,000.
Just my .02 cents if you want some input....