And all others interested:
I am a firsttimer, but was fascinated with the exchanges here and learned lots. I am sure that many of you would be interested to know that the American Red Cross CEO, Marsha Johnson Evans, earned $621,435 in disclosed salary for FYE 6/03, not counting benes. That, in my book, is an awful lot for a charity. Does sound more like "big business" to me.
You don't have to take my word for it either, but can verify this information at the following website.
http://www.charitynavigator.org
This organization has a database on over 3500 charities with lots of interesting statistics. Interestingly enough this organization rated ARC 4 stars out of 4 possible, but when I reviewed their rating method....well it was all about numbers so.........
Incidentally, when I worked FEMA Disaster Relief at the Santa Susana Rec. Center after the Northridge earthquake I was asked to "fill in" briefly for the Red Cross worker who had to go back to the warehouse for a third truckload of supplies. Incidently, this was how I met my husband - at the Red Cross snack & drink table as we both briefly manned the table for the Red Cross. The ARC was handing out (not charging for) sodas, water, snack foods and fruit to the long lines of people applying for FEMA assistance. Lines that were often 3 to 4 hours long. Water was being handed out by the gallon & 2 1/2 gallon jugs for people whose water supply was out or questionable. My question is, "Did our State or Federal Government get a big fat bill for this assistance?" Does anyone know where I can find this out? My husband is the one that pointed out to me the poor rep of the ARC, and in investigating it I'm appalled. But I would especially like to know if they bill governments (and thereby taxpayers) for the assistance they provide?
No...but...
Here is where the American Red Cross posts their financial statements. The 2003 tax return (6MB pdf file) for the American Red Cross.
They report $64 million on line 1c (Government contributions (grants)) and another $53.6 million on line 93g (Fees and contracts from government agencies).
That does not answer the reimbursement question and there isn't enough information about the source of this revenue to make any judgements.
THE FEDERAL CHARTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
The United States remained the ICRC’s largest donor. It accounted for 25.84% (CHF 231.7 million) of all contributions received and 28% (CHF 216.7 million) of the contributions received for field operations. The ICRC’s operational flexibility was enhanced by the fact that the US provided advance information on the level of funding and earmarked its contributions in a relatively broad fashion (mostly by region).Also, this might be interesting.
The Red Cross shall be responsible for the ordinary care and maintenance of the physical facilities so used. Such care and maintenance shall be by regular custodial and maintenance staff of the City. The Red Cross will reimburse the City for the ordinary care and maintenance during the period of its use.