Sean Hannity’s Freedom CONcert Scam

Debbie Schlussel Blog Post ^ | March 18, 2010 | Debbie Schlussel

[TRY ONE]

For the last several years, Sean Hannity and the Freedom Alliance “charity” have conducted “Freedom Concerts” across America. They’ve told you that they are raising money to pay for the college tuition of the children of fallen soldiers and to pay severely wounded war vets. And on Friday Night, Hannity will be honored with an award for this “Outstanding Community Service by a Radio Talk Show Host” at Talkers Magazine’s convention.

But it’s all a huge scam.

[bobby.223]

when I was 14 Charles hopped. dry up junior.

[bog trotter]

It was the “fund raising” expenses that brought me to quit them. I do give to what I feel are good causes. However, when they appear to spend what little I can afford to give on more “free gifts” intended to shame/guilt dump me into more giving I requested my name removed.

[yield 2 the right]

Man, this looks bad, really bad, if true.

[Cold Heat]

I'm not Sean's biggest fan, but this article stunk so bad that I had to look into it.

It's funny that if true, Hannity is a victim, and if false he has been slandered again.

None of the claims check with the tax returns. Daily KOS has a 2007 screed that looks a lot like the basis for this. There are indeed effort to tar Conservatives and I believe Debbie has jumped the shark or really has a axe to grind with Sean Hannity. BTW, Hannity is not on the letterhead of this charity. There appears to be no association other than a friendship with Ollie North, a very fine individual.

[SamAdams76]

Well Sean Hannity aside, pretty much all charities suck and people who give to them are suckers. If you want to be charitable, DIRECTLY help your immediate circle of friends and family who are in need.

Giving $100 to a family member (or even a stranger) in need is far more effective than giving $1000 to some United Way or Cancer group. When you give to those organizations, 90% or more goes towards "administrative overhead" (i.e. perks and such for the "volunteers") with only a trickle actually going to help those in need.

[mad_as_he$$]

Server currently slammed.

[mojo114]

I agree with you.
Response immediately is best.

[ScreamingFist]

when I was 14 Charles hopped. dry up junior.

dat be fin bos, i be gessing ya was som badas mofo....ya kep typing like a moron, I'll keep this up.....massa. I don't give a crap who you think you are, the shift key is second one up one the left side. And .223 is what sissies that can't swing a .308 use.

[Cold Heat]

All charities spend a lot raising money. I have read the 2007 return since it was mentioned in the article. They spent a million dollars on fund raising activities and that was about 6-7% of their gross that year. This was early on in the formation of the charity so I would expect the ratio to be high. In their last report it was not out of line but I need to get into the numbers on the return. Their gross and their outlays for their programs have increased each year since 2007 and their management costs are well in line with any good charity. Lower than most.

[Cold Heat]

LOL!

[PGalt]

Thanks much for the ping, Race. Extraordinarily INTERESTING!

EXPLOSIVE if true.

[PGalt]

Thanks for posting. Thanks Debbie Schlussel.

[Cold Heat]

The toe sucker still sends me fund raisers for his group. He uses all the marketing gimmicks, but they all do it.

I agree, it drives you nuts.

[Cold Heat]

Check it out before you buy Mr. Galt.

The tax returns are all public and on the Alliance site and there are links to the rating service for this charity on the thread.

[McGruff]

The first comment on her site says this.

I hate to burst your bubble folks but Charity Navigator gives Freedom Alliance 4 out of 4 stars.

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=6590

Program Expenses 81.5% (amount that goes to the actual charity – higher is better)
Administrative Expenses 4.8% (overhead – lower is better)
Fundraising Expenses 13.5% (overhead – lower is better)
Fundraising Efficiency $0.09 (amount the charity spends to raise $1 – lower is better)

I sure hope Debbie has the good grace to explain to us why her analysis is 180% different from this.

I find it hard to believe Sean would scam the troops. A little professional jealousy at work here?

[PGalt]

Thanks very much for the pings and information. I just got home from work a little over an hour ago and have been reading many pings. I haven’t taken any time to read over this thread.

Much appreciated.

[Bryan24]

You are one of the few people on this thread using their head, and I’ve read about 400 posts on this thread.

I like, but not love, Hannity. He’s conservative, he’s committed and I don’t doubt his integrity. I think he’s more of a GOPer than he is a conservative.

Hannity will beat Schlussel to a pulp over this article. It is a hit piece. And the timing is HIGHLY, HIGHLY suspicious.

[Bryan24]

“They spent $438 thousand administering the distribution of $802 thousnd in scholarships.”

Are you dense? They are also administering $15,000,000 + in a trust fund that is for kids WHEN THEY GET OUT OF KINDERGARDEN, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, GRADE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL.

[machogirl]

the “Freedom concerts” are similar to fundraisers that we do for my kids athletics. We go to a restaurant, pay full price for the meal, and 20% of the bill goes to our organization. We know we are paying for a meal, the 80% of what’s left pays for the Restaurant costs.

[SZonian]

Why don’t you point out these supposed “underground liberal trolls” for us?

I really take issue with posts like yours. Casting accusations about without supporting them with quotes.

Pony up or retract the accusation. It’s really quite simple.

Oh, and welcome to FR.