American Red Cross Receives Highest Rating from Charity Watchdog

Four-star rating from Charity Navigator for financial health, accountability and transparency

SANTA CRUZ, CA (October 25, 2011) – The American Red Cross recently received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest rating given. Charity Navigator is a watchdog organization that rates non-profits on criteria like demonstrating financial efficiency, accountability and accuracy; good governance, ethical best practices and commitment to donor rights.

Receiving four stars indicates that the American Red Cross excels, as compared to other charities in America, in successfully managing the finances of the organization in an efficient and effective manner.

“The American Red Cross is not funded by the government, we rely solely on donations,” said Santa Cruz County Chapter CEO Rita Chick. “We are proud of everyone in the Red Cross organization for helping to achieve an award that recognizes that every day our boards, staff and volunteers are committed to careful stewardship of our donors' dollar so that we can fulfill our mission in serving our communities.”

Recently, the American Red Cross Santa Cruz County Chapter provided emergency assistance to two families who lost their homes due to a fire which destroyed the units. Volunteers provided food, clothing, shoes, medication, lodging and emotional support for both families.  In another incident in Santa Cruz County, local Red Cross volunteers assisted a 92-year-old tenant whose apartment suffered major damage from fire with food, clothing, shoes and emotional support. All the victims were very appreciative of the help they received from the American Red Cross as they had very little of their own resources after such devastating disasters.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by the generous donations of time and money by people in Santa Cruz County. Continuing to prove itself as one of the most efficient non-profit organizations in the United States, the American Red Cross works hard to maximize every penny of every dollar donated by the public. On average, 91 cents of each dollar donated are used to directly support Red Cross programs and services, enabling the organization to respond to disasters while helping the public prevent, prepare for and respond to life’s emergencies.

If you are interested in helping residents affected by home fires and other local emergencies, please call 831-462-2881 or visit our website at www.sccredcross.org.

About American Red Cross Santa Cruz County Chapter 
The American Red Cross Santa Cruz County Chapter is a non-profit, humanitarian organization that depends on the generous contributions of time and money from Santa Cruz County residents and companies to provide services and programs that help our community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. For more information on disaster preparedness, health and safety classes, volunteer opportunities, and financial contributions, visit our website at www.sccredcross.org or call us at 831-462-2881.