Poorly run charity gives others a bad name

I was appalled to read in Newsday about a charity on Long Island allegedly masquerading as a breast cancer organization ["State aims to close LI charity," News, June 29]. Let me say up front, the American Cancer Society had no interaction with this group, but its actions hurt all charities.

When donors decide how to invest their money in any cause, it's imperative they know who they're working with. Watchdog groups like the Better Business Bureau maintain ratings and annual reviews of most not-for-profit groups.

At the American Cancer Society, we're very diligent about transparency and communicating progress. For example, our Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events attract more participants than any other breast cancer walk in the area and, we're proud to say, have the lowest overhead.

Mari Carlesimo, Manhattan

Editor's note: The writer is the executive vice president of the American Cancer Society of New York City.
 

The West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition wants to express deep concern over the actions of the St. James-based Coalition Against Breast Cancer. The West Islip coalition has never had any affiliation with that organization or its members in our almost 20 years.

All the funds we raise go to our Lend A Helping Hand program, which provides services to the many women who are going through breast cancer, and toward breast cancer awareness, education and research. All our records and tax returns are public record.

It is disheartening to read about an alleged fraud that gives a bad name to honest and legitimate groups.

Margaret Campise, West Islip

Editor's note: The writer is president of the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition.