🚀 go-pugleaf

Once you make a donation to an organization, it and many others will come after
you very frequently, because you are now on their mailing lists. I usually 
don't hesitate to make some contributions for good causes. However, I've 
learnt that I need to be more careful and ask "How are the money used ?"

Recently I got a letter from the National Cancer Research Center. It came with
a request for donation, plus a sweepstake entry form, which is quite unusual
for non-profit organizations. So, I turned the page and looked at the fine 
prints. Here's what it said : 

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  Contributions made to National Cancer Research Center, a project of Walker 
Cancer Research Institute, are used for fundraising expenses, administrative
costs, public education and other program services. The services of a paid
professional fundraiser, Direct Response Consulting Services, are used to 
professionally assist them in the solicitation of funds. In the last fiscal 
year, Walker Cancer Research Institute raised a total of $2,422,477. Its
expense distribution was 46.62% to fundraising, 8.02% to administration,
0.96% to research and 44.4% to public education in conjunction with 
fundraising appeals. Fundraising costs include costs incurred in establishing
a donor base. Public education costs include costs incurred in dissemination 
information contained in solicitations. A portion of the money included in 
the program services category was expended pursuant to voluntary agreement 
settling causes of action regarding certain previous mailings. ...(skipped)... 
  Walker Cancer Research Institute is an independent organization and is not 
affiliated with the American Institute for Cancer Research, Cancer Fund of 
America, American Cancer Society or Pacific West Cancer Fund. ....(skipped)..
  For Florida residents - a copy of the official registration and financial 
information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling
toll free (800)-435-7352. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval,
or recommendation by the state. .....(skipped)
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I was astounded to find out that only 0.96% of the money is spent on research,
even though it calls itself National Cancer Research Center. As for public 
education, well, sure enough, I found two checklists on the page. 
  Early Warning Signs of Cancer : 1. Unusual bleeding or discharge from 
anywhere. 2. A lump or thickening in the breast or anywhere.  3. ......
total 9 points.
  Cancer Checks: C - Check up , get on each year
                 H - healthy air, stop smoking
                 ... total 6 points

Will they get my check ? I don't think so. 

moyee