Attorney General Schuette Shuts Down Veterans Charity Scam
November 11, 2017
Donating to charities that support our veterans is an important contribution. It is also important, however, to understand the charity’s purpose and what your contribution is being put towards. Last week, Michigan’s Attorney General and his Charitable Trust Section reached a settlement with Healing American Heroes, Inc. and its professional fundraiser Jeremy Squire & Associates. Both the charity and professional fundraiser will be dissolved for violating the Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act.
Charities that misuse funds are a growing problem in today’s society. This seems to be especially true of charities focused around Veterans. Healing American Heroes, also known as Help Our Wounded has received over 10,000 donations in the state of Michigan alone – totaling over $200,000. In 2015, Help Our Wounded raised $2.6 million.
The settlement, according to the Department of the Attorney General, reads:
“Under the settlement, Healing American Heroes will dissolve and will pay any remaining funds paid to Fisher House Foundation, a respected national veteran’s charity. Additionally, Healing American Heroes will pay $50,000, to be split between Fisher House Foundation and Saratoga Warhorse Foundation, a national charity that helps veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Healing American Heroes’ founder Rosalinda Babin will pay $20,000 and agree never to serve as a charitable fiduciary again. Fundraiser Jeremy Squire & Associates will cancel over $100,000 of fees owed, will cease fundraising in Michigan for ten years, and will pay $30,000.”
It is always important to choose a charity wisely. The goal is to provide assistance to the brave veterans that served our country, and it is good to see people working towards eliminating organizations trying to profit at the expense of others.