
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 22, 1992                   TAG: 9203200053
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-6   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

BEWARE OF LOOK-ALIKES TO REAL CANCER SOCIETY

Hardly a day goes by that the Radford-Montgomery County Unit of the American Cancer Society doesn't get a complaint from the public because of solicitations from "look-alike" charities that have been mistaken for the society. The groups adopt names similar to the society's to raise money for questionable uses.

They choose words like "national," "American" and "research" for their titles to appear to be well-established national organizations. They also use stationery and logos similar to the society's. They schedule fund-raising events during the American Cancer Society's annual crusade to ride on its visibility and reputation.

Many of the officers of these groups are members of the same family. Often administration costs are high and most of the money received is paid to marketing firms to make more money. Only a small percentage is ever used for research or patient services.

The local unit of the American Cancer Society spent 51 percent of its donations locally for rehabilitation for cancer patients and their families, counseling, public education and other services. The remainder is used for cancer research, 36 percent, and fund raising, 18 percent.

Besides taking money dishonestly, "look-alikes" hurt the image of the American Cancer Society and harm the public.

The battle against cancer is far from over. Supporting the American Cancer Society is the most efficient way of contributing to research, rehabilitation and public education.\ Nadine Dulaney\ President, Radford-\ Montgomery County Unit\ American Cancer Society

by CNB