Beneath its patriotic appearance, Wreaths Across America has been accused of fraudulent activities, financial mismanagement, and exploitation.
Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization, has been laying wreaths on veterans graves since 2007. The organization’s mission is to “Remember, Honor, and Teach” about the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes.
Price Of The Wreaths
The Wreaths costs $15 to sponsor one, $30 to sponsor two, and the most popular donation is $75 to sponsor five wreaths.
The Allegations Against This Organization
Several sources, including former employees, volunteers, and donors, have accused the organisation of misconducts. Some of the allegations include:
Self-Dealing:
The organization’s leaders, the Worcester family, also owns and operates Worcester Wreath, which is the company that supplies the wreaths. This relationship has raised suspicions about the organization.
A 2016 article reported that Wreaths Across America placed a bid process for wreaths, but only received one bid which was from the from Worcester Wreath. This bid process was criticized as “window dressing” by Leonard Cole, a lawyer who specializes in nonprofit representation.
Financial Mismanagement:
The organizations financial records also revealed a trend of self-dealing and financial mismanagement. For instance, in 2011, the organization received $227,000 in contributions and 2022, that number had climed to $14.6 million. However, a huge portion of these funds went to Worcester Wreath, the family-owned business.
Lack of accountability:
Wreaths Across America has been accused of ignoring complaints, silencing sources, and failing to address allegations of misconduct.
Exploitation:
People have argued that Wreaths Across America exploits donors by using emotional manipulation to fundraise, while taking a huge portion of these donations to the Worcester family’s business.
One critic summed up the situation as:
It’s a charity that uses donations to buy wreaths from a for-profit company owned by the same people that started the charity. Literally designed to funnel donations into their own pocket.
Our Findings About The Wearths Across America
Our research has uncovered a pattern of questionable behavior within Wreaths Across America and they point to the fact that the organization’s leadership are now focused on fundraising and self-promotion over its initial mission and the well-being of veterans.
These alleged fraudulent activities and misconduct within Wreaths Across America have far-reaching consequences as veterans and their families have been exploited, donors have been deceived, and the public trust has been lost.
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Samantha