(DALLAS-FT. WORTH, TX) As Americans prepare to make end-of-year contributions to charities, The Consumer Team radio program is warning consumers to thoroughly check out non-profits before giving. According to Consumer Team program host Pete Thomson, generous consumers are often unaware of issues that impact a non-profit’s ability to serve people in need. Thomson stated, “On the surface charities tell a story of helping people in significant ways. Sadly, many charities don’t live up to the promises they make. From out of control overhead to high CEO salaries to fraud, many high profile charities have serious issues which prevent them from helping people in need. Because of these issues, consumers have to be very discriminating before they give a financial gift.”
The Consumer Team Urges Caution When Giving to Charities
Thomson, who serves as President and CEO of McQ Media, said The Consumer Team radio program will air a series of special segments focusing charitable giving. Thomson added, “The Consumer Team will investigate charitable giving from several perspectives. First, we’ll educate our listeners regarding the metrics that are used to measure charity effectiveness. Concepts like percentage of overhead and CEO compensation need to be understood in order to measure a charity’s effectiveness. Secondly, we’ll be educating listeners regarding tools that they can use to research non-profits.”
Sandra Miniutti, VP/CFO of Charity Navigator, will be joining Thomson for several of The Consumer Team special segments. Charity Navigator is a New Jersey based non-profit that offers ratings and research regarding the fiscal performance of non-profit organizations. Commenting on Charity Navigator, Thomson said, “Charity Navigator is to non-profits as Consumer Reports is to consumer products. We’ll be including their input throughout our series on effective giving to charities.” Thomson credited Charity Navigator with successfully establishing metrics of measurement for the non-profit world. Thomson added, “Before Charity Navigator, there wasn’t a reliable and objective database of information on charity performance. And, several high profile non-profits were unchallenged when it came to serious financial issues within their organizations. Charity Navigators has brought this critical information to the forefront of consumer awareness. Non-profits are now accountable because of Charity Navigator.”
The Consumer Team is broadcast Saturdays from 5-7 PM on 1080 KRLD Radio, Dallas, Texas. The program is produced by McQ Media. Thomson splits his time between hosting duties on The Consumer Team and his role as President & CEO of McQ Media. Thomson added, “The Consumer Team is a passion that I’ve had for the last 10 years. My goal is to connect smart and educated consumers with quality companies. Because we’re very discriminating about the clients we work with, McQ Media is kind of an extension of The Consumer Team. At the end of the day, both of my companies serve both the consumer and small business.”
For more information on The Consumer Team or to listen live, to to http://www.myconsumerteam.com.
