$30M military wreath charity buys solely from its founders' farm
2 days ago
- #Non-Profit
- #Conflict-of-Interest
- #Veterans
- Wreaths Across America (WAA) is delivering the largest supply of holiday wreaths and volunteers in its 15-year history to Arlington National Cemetery.
- The charity's sole wreath supplier is Worcester Wreath Company, owned by WAA's founders, raising concerns about financial ties and conflicts of interest.
- WAA and Worcester Wreath openly advertise their relationship, with the charity accounting for over 75% of the company's annual revenue.
- Critics question the scale of transactions between the non-profit and the for-profit company, suggesting potential conflicts of interest.
- WAA's mission focuses on honoring veterans, with wreath-laying events involving nearly 3 million volunteers nationwide.
- The charity has raised $22 million over 15 years for local groups, but $21.5 million was paid to Worcester Wreath in fiscal 2021.
- Four WAA board members, including the executive director, are related to Worcester Wreath owners but recused themselves from contract votes.
- CharityWatch and experts urge stricter auditing and transparency to ensure independence and public trust.
- The annual wreath-laying event at Arlington National Cemetery involves 60,000 volunteers and is one of the busiest days at the site.
- WAA's caravan, transporting wreaths and sponsors, traveled from Maine to Arlington, highlighting the event's national scale.