What goes unsaid is $23.75 goes to the fundraising company and $1.25 goes to the guild they called on behalf of. Walking down to the fire department and handing them $25 sounds like a better deal for the guild. No profit for the fundraisers of course
Yes, the more I'm looking into it I think it would be too awkward to ask for donations for something like this where a lot of the money is going towards my expedition (guide, equipment, & the fundraising company) and not the cause.
The only one that seems like a potential for me is the Climb for Himalaya Children that ajpederson mentioned, as 100% of your $1,500 pledge goes to the Mitrata-Nepal Foundation and there is no guide service, just experienced volunteers.