Shame the Fraudulent Fundraisers

To the Editor:
Like many of you, I have lost loved-ones to cancer. I’m a cancer survivor myself. Therefore, I am more than ready, willing and able to give money and raise money for cancer research. My wife and I have served as drive captains for our neighborhood at least 20 times. Some neighbors started to avoid me when they saw me approach them with an envelope in my hand.
I hate getting ripped off. There are many phone calls to our home asking for contributions, too many in fact. I inquire politely just how much of my dollar will go to the charity and how much will go to the fund-raising organization. If they can’t come up with an answer, I hang up.
We must be careful when it comes to giving money to causes. We’re all aware that the love of money can make the blind see and that there are con artists out there ready to fleece us. I have often called state regulatory agencies to check on certain organizations as to their legitimacy before sending a check to them.
Anyone who employs subterfuge to enrich themselves when it comes to fraudulent fund-raising schemes and is caught doing so should be punished in several ways. First, of course, there is jail time. Second, heavy fines. Third, and most importantly, public ridicule and shame. During their probationary period, they should be required to stand upon a platform in the busiest shopping center of their respective communities wearing a big placard saying that they used money intended to fight cancer for personal gain. Public shame and ridicule are indeed appropriate punishments. Even the American Civil Liberties Union would condone the use of shame to punish charity cheats.