Charities Not Related

Ventura citizens should read the fine print of all fund-raising appeals before making a donation. As president of the American Heart Assn., San Buenaventura Division, I am concerned that people are confusing Heart Support of America with the American Heart Assn. There is no connection.

The American Heart Assn. has provided over $1 billion for research since 1924 and has an audited financial statement. According to Heart Support of America’s own literature: The group was founded in 1991, has no audited financial statement and spends 60% of its contributions on fund-raising. By comparison, the American Heart Assn. spends 14% on fund-raising.

Please make sure your donation goes to the intended agency.

WILLIAM SPEITEL, M.D.

Ventura