The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy has brought out the best in us. In addition to the first responders, the National Guard, a host of government organizations and hundreds of volunteers have helped their neighbors any way they could.
But the disaster has also seen scammers looking for an opportunity to take advantage of Sandy victims. For that reason, New York state’s attorney general is gathering information from nonprofits helping with hurricane relief efforts in order to disclose to the public how their donations are being spent.
“In light of the importance of the recovery efforts and the enormous amount of money raised in such a short period of time, it is critical that donors know where their money is going and that funds are spent responsibly,” Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said.
Even the most well-intentioned efforts can go wrong. A Sandy benefit concert was planned for Madison Square Garden Dec. 12, featuring rock royalty: The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, The Who, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band and Alicia Keys.
Stubhub resold tickets for many times their face value. The resale was legal, but mocks the good intentions of the stars who gave their time to perform.
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer has called the actions of the ticket scalpers “appalling.” The attorney general’s Charities Bureau plans to compile the information on the Sandy charities and report it online.
Hockey Rink Does Its Part
We continue to be moved by the synagogues, churches, schools and community organizations that reach out to Sandy victims. In Whitestone, roller hockey players at George Harvey Park played a series of games to raise funds for victims.
The event, called “Slapshot for Sandy,” raised $2,650 for the American Red Cross to distribute. Adults were asked to give $20 for Sandy relief. Kids played for free, but parents were asked to chip in.
This kind of generosity speaks louder than the scammers and greedy people reselling tickets on Stubhub.
