besty makes a fine point:
Conscious mind understands who checks should be made out to etc
Sub-conscious minds just hears 'Please make checks'
Its a hypnotic technique to extract cash using embedded suggestions.
The constant 'reminders' about the 'voluntary' nature of contributions and the 'costs' involved in holding conventions are simply subliminal messages "give give give" to the Society. Regardless of who they are to be made out to, making a big hullabaloo about it simply reinforces the need to 'make' said 'contributions.