Solicitors kept bulk of donations

AG report tracks where money goes

Almost two-thirds of all charitable donations collected in Massachusetts last year by professional solicitors went to the fund-raisers themselves, according to the state attorney general's office.

Of $284.5 million raised in 621 solicitation campaigns, $100.8 million went to the charities, according to the report, which is released each year to inform Massachusetts residents how their donations are spent.

All Pro Productions, a Marlborough company owned by former National Football League player Fred Smerlas, conducted more campaigns in the state than any other solicitation firm, raising $3.2 million in 48 campaigns and channeling $1.15 million to the charities. The recipients, who received 36 percent of the money, were composed primarily of police and firefighter groups.

"We're not saying there's anything wrong," said Jill Butterworth, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Martha Coakley, noting that the solicitors have to pay overhead and other administrative costs. "Some charities are smaller, so they need these larger professional solicitors. But whenever you see a charity only getting 5 to 20 percent, you should be asking questions."

In 2007, 18 percent of the solicitation campaigns resulted in less than 10 percent for the charities, according to the state. Fifteen percent of the campaigns sent between 10 percent and 19 percent to the charitable groups. At least 50 percent of gross revenue went to 18 percent of the charities.

One of All Pro's clients last year, the New England chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, received about 25 percent, or $113,765, of the $462,750 raised through a telephone campaign. Craig Cascella, president of the chapter, said he considered the money a fair payout for the organization, which promotes medical research, promotes sports and recreation programs for paralyzed veterans, and also helps educate students about the disabled.

The chapter's office, located in Walpole, has three employees, he said.

"We simply could not exist without the generous support of donors. That's how we get by," said Cascella, a paraplegic and former Marine presidential honor guard. "Basically, they gave us a nice return compared with other fund-raisers that do telephone marketing around the country."

John Dumas, All Pro's chief executive, said the company frequently stages expensive programs for the charitable groups with which it works.

"We do entertainment events with most of these campaigns, and those events cost money," said Dumas, in addition to overhead bills for needs such as insurance, printing, and telephone service.

"We try to keep expenses down and keep them reasonable, which I think we have," Dumas said.

Butterworth said potential donors should question solicitors if they feel pressured or have misgivings about the caller's authenticity.

"Maybe they should ask whether they can have the number of the charity or check in with our office to make sure they're registered," Butterworth said. "They can also ask how much of every dollar I give you today will go back to the charity."

MacQuarrie can be reached at b_macquarrie@globe.com.