Rosa Clark Clinic named Angel

A local charity has been honored for using its money in support of its mission. South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond announced that the Rosa Clark Medical Clinic in Seneca was chosen as one of ten Angles in South Carolina. Rosa Clark Clinic executive director Vicki Thompson was surprised by the announcement. “We were a bit overwhelmed but we were very excited to be at the state Capital with the Secretary of State and receive this great honor. It was wonderful to represent the people of Rosa Clark and the people of Oconee County and to be chosen.” The Angles honored represent organizations that exemplify charitable giving in South Carolina. The Angles were selected by review of financial reports submitted annually to the Secretary of State’s Office, explains Thompson. “I think it is a really good event that happens every year because people are able to study the charities that they give to, there are so many out there and now more than ever it’s important that people know when they donate money exactly where that money goes.” Each year, the Secretary of State’s Office announces a list of Scrooges and Angels. To be an Angel, the charity must have devoted 80% or more of its total expenditures to charitable programs, among other requirements. Thompson applauds the Secretary of State’s Office for bringing attention to the way non-profits spend their money. “At this particular time with the economy being the way it is its put a lot of pressure on non-profits because people reach out to us for services a lot more. So, it is really important to check out the Secretary of State’s website and to contact the charity and ask some tough questions before you make those donations.” Hammond designated Scrooges as a charitable organization that fails to spend a high percentage of its collection on charity. His office found that the Fraternal Order of Police Tri-County Lodge #3 in Hanahan designated only 4.1% of its expenditures to program services. In contrast, the Rosa Clark Medical Clinic in Seneca designated 99.1% of its total expenditures to charitable programs.