Beware of Sandy Relief Charity Sitting on One Million Dollars

According to a local newspaper's investigation, "The Hurricane Sandy Relief Foundation" has raised $1 million dollars. However, the organization is not registered, is not tax exempt and has $800,000 in their account.

An APP investigation found that John Sandberg and Christina Terraccino of Sparta had made plans to launch this relief site days before Sandy even hit the Jersey Shore.

The site solicits funds on its website using the name of a legally registered charity headed by New Jersey first lady Mary Pat Christie, the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. State law prohibits such practices, according to the state Division of Consumer Affairs, which regulates charities.

Also, HSRF’s co-founder, John Sandberg, claims to have a degree from Seton Hall University, yet the school’s registrar’s office says he didn’t graduate. Two of the corporate “sponsors” cited on the HSRF website, www.sandyrelief.org, say they aren’t sponsoring the foundation.

To maximize the website’s visibility, Sandberg says he registered 120 different Internet domain names related to Sandy relief. Last week, his site ranked No. 1 in a Google search for “Sandy relief fund,” ahead of the American Red Cross, the Robin Hood Foundation, and Mrs. Christie’s charity.

[source: APP]

94.3 The Point strongly encourages you to make a donation to Governor and Mrs. Christie's Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund.