Our Keeping Them Honest reports on the donations collected by the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) have gotten the attention of lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus is demanding answers from DVNF. The Montana Democrat, along with Republican committee member Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, has launched an investigation to determine if the charity is abusing its tax-exempt non-profit status.
As we've been reporting for weeks, tax records show DVNF raised nearly $56 million over three years. But here's the problem: Not one dime has gone directly to help disabled veterans. Instead, CNN's Drew Griffin discovered the charity sends free stuff to veterans groups - stuff they say they didn't ask for and don't need. We're talking about thousands of bags of coconut M&Ms, bulk shipments of chef's aprons and military dress shoes. The veterans groups have had to sell the items to raise money so they could buy items vets actually do need.
So, where did the nearly $56 million donated by Americans go? Griffin followed the money trail to a company called Quadriga Art, a company that specializes in fundraising. Quadriga Art and its subsidiaries have more than 500 charities on their client list, including DVNF. A source who had first-hand dealings with Quadriga tells us it’s the "financial equivalent of heroin addiction for charities."
Tonight on 360°, Griffin reports on the Quadriga connection to veterans charities. Plus, Anderson Cooper talks with Sen. Baucus about his investigation. Watch the preview and tune in at 8 and 10 p.m. ET
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Post by: Maureen Miller Filed under: Charity Investigation • Drew Griffin • Special Investigations Unit • Veterans |
A North Carolina pastor says gays and lesbians should be rounded up and confined until they die. His sermon included anti-Obama remarks that could be a violation of the church's tax-exempt status.
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Post by: Anderson Cooper Filed under: Keeping Them Honest • Religion |
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