Pennsylvania Department of State Announces Disciplinary Actions Against Charitable Organizations

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of State filed disciplinary actions against 19 charitable organizations, professional solicitors and professional fundraising counsel during the month of March, Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés announced today.

 "We are committed to holding charitable organizations to the high ethical standards that Pennsylvanians deserve," Secretary Cortés said. "When someone generously contributes to a charity, they should be able to trust the integrity of those asking for donations."

 A monthly list of disciplinary actions imposed by the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations is available online.

The March sanctions included cease-and-desist orders issued to the following individuals and organizations:

• American Archeology Abroad, Inc., 712 Franklin St., State College, PA
• Burn 24/7, Inc., 411 South 40^th St., Harrisburg, PA
• Hampton Township Emergency Medical Services, P.O. Box 833, Allison Park, PA
• Huntingdon County Pride, Inc., 1301 Mount Vernon Ave., Huntingdon, PA
• Narberth Community Food Bank, P.O. Box 777, 201 Sabine Ave., Narberth, PA
• New Oxford Scramblers Football and Cheerleading, P.O. Box 257, Abbottstown, PA
• Pennsylvania Communities Organizing for Change A/K/A Action United, 846 North Broad St., Philadelphia, PA
• Philadelphia Foundation for Orthopedic Advancement, P.O. Box 58208, Philadelphia, PA
• Prime Ecumenical Commitment to Refugees, 129 Owen Ave., P.O. Box 5, Lansdowne, PA
• RTOG Foundation, 1919 Market St., #1720, Philadelphia, PA
• Venango County Historical Association, P.O. Box 101, Franklin, PA
• Boston Ronald McDonald House, P.O. Box 87, 229 Kent St., Brookline, MA
• Military with PTSD, Inc.; Justin Gourley and Shawn Gourley, 5900 Twickingham Drive, Evansville, IN
• National Aphasia Association, Inc., P.O. Box 87, Scarsdale, NY

Secretary Cortés noted that those individuals and organizations may not solicit donations or conduct fundraising activities until they have come into compliance with the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act.

The Bureau maintains a comprehensive list of charitable organizations, professional solicitors and professional fundraising counsel that have been subject to sanctions or corrective measures. This list contains the most up-to-date information on any specific disciplinary action.

Each entry includes the name of the charitable organization, professional solicitor or professional fundraising counsel, address, sanction imposed, a description of the basis for the disciplinary or corrective measure and the effective date.

Anyone who suspects unethical activity by a charitable organization can file a complaint either online or by calling (717) 787-0700.

The Bureau oversees the registration of more than 12,000 charitable organizations, professional solicitors and professional fundraising counsel. A list of registration exclusions and exemptions for charitable organizations can be found on the Department's website.

Violations of the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act may result in disciplinary actions including civil penalties and the suspension or revocation of a registration.

MEDIA CONTACT: Wanda Murren, (717) 783-1621

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us