How do you give to charitable organizations? Do you have a specific list of groups and causes that you regularly help out? Or maybe you’re the type that gives whenever you can, whenever someone comes up to you? It does not really matter how you choose to give to charity – it is the intent behind the giving that counts.

However, we have to face the stark reality that not all charities and fundraisers give everything they raise to their clients – those in need. And no, I am not talking about scams. In fact, we have to realize that fundraisers and other similar events cost money. As such, part of the money that people give for charity goes to operating costs.

Now the question is just how much do organizations use for expenses and how much of the money raised actually goes to those in need? The answer varies depends on the organization, naturally. I just saw some figures at the Yakima-Herald relating to this:

To that end, check out the Commercial Fundraiser Activity Report, compiled by the office of Secretary of State Sam Reed. The report, which is available online, tracks third-party, paid fundraisers who operate in the state. There are some 8,800 charities registered in Washington, of which nearly 600 use paid fundraisers.

The 2009 report found that an average of 58 percent of contributions were returned to charity clients. However, while the top 10 fundraisers gave back an average of 89 percent to charities, about a third of the paid fundraisers returned less than 20 percent to their clients.

Less than 20 percent?! It is outrageous, isn’t it? That is why, in my opinion, it is so much better to give directly to causes that you support. Fundraisers are great, but only if you can get assurance that most of the money will go to the deserving.

Categories: Tips | Tags: charity, fundraisers

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On the one hand, the children being adopted by celebrities are given another shot at life – a much better shot, actually. On the other hand, celebrity adoptions may be sending out the wrong message. This is what the charitable organization EveryChild is concerned about.

The recent news that musician Elton John is planning to adopt a 14-month-old boy from a Ukrainian orphanage is the root of the charity’s sentiments. Elton John has been active in helping raise awareness for infants who are infected with HIV. His recent visit to the Ukraine is part of his efforts.

While he has always considered adoption, he said that he had concerns about it as he is not exactly a spring chicken and his career is not exactly the perfect setting for raising a child as well. However, when he laid his eyes on Lev, the baby boy, and interacted with him, Sir Elton John said that he changed his mind.

Now back to the concern of EveryChild…according to James Georgalakis, EveryChild’s Communications and Advocacy Manager, people in developing countries might get the wrong message from all these celebrity adoptions. He told CNN that:

“Research conducted in the Ukraine in 2007 which showed high-profile celebrity adoptions and news around foreigners coming into the country and adopting children generally was actually encouraging vulnerable young mothers to abandon their children into homes hoping their child would be adopted by a rich foreigner and have a better life. So it’s quite well documented that these high-profile adoptions could actually be increasing the number of children in institutions.”

Having read that information, I do see the point that EveryChild is concerned about. However, limiting or disallowing celebrity adoptions may not be the solution. What do you think? Should celebrity adoptions be restricted or is there another way to approach the issue?

Photo courtesy of CNN

Categories: Charities, Children, Organizations | Tags: adoptions, celebrity adoptions, charitable-organizations, charity, Elton John, EveryChild, international adoptions

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There will be always money coming from unknown sources. Usually, these originate from people who are up to no good like felons and convicted people, definitely welcome but not needed as far as campaign procedures are concerned.

Much of these have been traced to reach the U.S. presidential candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain. And while these transactions were traced, it is apparent that to avoid any untoward audit of campaign funds, such amounts are said to be headed for a worthy cause; charitable institutions.

There was no specific number specified although there was one felon who admitted wiring $7,000 and structuring financial transactions. At least you know that $7,000 is on its way to these charity groups, names of the organizations of which were not divulged.

Was it done intentionally or another publicity stunt to look good in front of the potential voting population of America? If perhaps there would be a probing team released to audit and oversee these funds, then perhaps the real intent and amount of funds disbursed will surely be seen.

This is not to question the integrity and character of the presidential candidates. But once news like this leaks, it is something that can work against people considering money is a very tedious word in the industry today.

But as far as the charities are concerned, as long as they can get support and help for their cause, all is welcome. If there is one group that needs help these days, that would be the charities.

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Categories: Activities, Campaigns, Charities, News | Tags: charity, convicts, donation, felon, money, politics

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Anyone can do their part for charity. In fact, fashion shows which have the usual models showcasing the latest wardrobe design ideas from noted designers today is a good way to put everything in perspective.

Such was the intent of a glamorous fashion show that was held in London, featuring top catwalk models, the same agency that handles Kate Moss. For their efforts, they were able to raise more than £3,000 for charity.

Models1 successfully modeled for a cause using garments made by Hollywood Collections, a fashion store in Barnt Green and accessories from Solihull boutique Le Scarpe in the glitzy bash at Hogarths Hotel in Solihull. The funds raised will be given to Cancer Research UK and the Love Care Charity in Chennai as organized by hotel owner, Helena Hogarth.

“This £3,000 will go towards making this orphanage as comfortable as possible for the orphans and giving them a better chance in life. I’d like to thank all who took part and helped support these two amazing charities.”

At these trying times, such an amount is modest enough for a worthy cause. Especially now that the holiday season is fast approaching, it would be nice to see such efforts which is sure to grow in the next couple of weeks, regardless if hard times are here. Besides, charity is about giving what you can and not really about the amount you are able to give.

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Categories: Charities, Events, Fundraising | Tags: charity, kate moss, models

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In the boxing world, you may be looking for a fighter named Michahel Lohan. Sad to say folks, familiar as the name would be, you will not find it. Michael Lohan is the estranged father of diva Lindsay Lohan and he shall be fighting for a charitable cause.

It all started in October 6 where Lohan made it public that he would box the highest bidder. The initial bid was set at $5,000. Lohan had also initially wanted to fight off some known names in the industry including Kevin Federline and Perez Hilton but to no avail. Eventually it all came down to a local businessman, Robert Venero who had thrown $20,000 in the pot to fight Lohan. The match is scheduled on November 24 at the Hilton Long Island. Stephen Baldwin has agreed to judge the match. Proceeds of the match will go to the Long Island charities which really sponsors annual slugfests for a cause.

Lohan has had a history of being used to fights. Being jailed before, he does seem like a dangerous opponent. But on the issue of why Venero really wants to fight Lohan is another. Is it really for charity or another cause?

Whatever the reason is, it is the money for charity that is important. These two are taking the fight seriously and from all indications, it will truly give the word “slugfest” something to watch.

“It’s going to be war,” he said. “Michael Lohan is not going down without a struggle and Bob Venero is not paying $20,000 to get humiliated. They both will be swinging for the fences.”

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Categories: Activities, Charities, Fundraising | Tags: boxing, charity, michael lohan, robert venero, slugfest

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