I just see so many people getting hundreds of dollars in upvotes for sharing news, videos, vacation photos.. (which aren't going to any noble causes I'm sure)

I can't imagine a better reason to upvote or resteem a post than if it were going to a good cause. Especially when the next one two weeks later shows a bunch of happy kids and a big "Thank you Steemit" sign. But maybe thats a pipe dream. Heck, even if they didn't thank us I'd still be happy to help, and I'm sure all the staff would as well. Start some kind of movement. Not trying to take money out of anyone's pockets or drain the system.