Better Business Bureau Report for
Friends of Kids with Cancer

Better Business Bureau Report issued February 2011
Better Business Bureau Report expires February 2013


This BBB Accredited charity meets all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability and is a Seal Holder. Find out more...


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Charity Contact Information

Name: Friends of Kids with Cancer
Address: 530 Maryville Centre Drive
LL5
  St. Louis, MO 63141
Phone: 314-275-7440
Web Address: www.friendsofkids.com
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Better Business Bureau Comments

Year, State Incorporated: 1992, Missouri
Affiliates: None
Stated Purpose: "exists to enrich the daily lives of children undergoing treatment for cancer and blood-related diseases. Its mission is to be an advocate for these special kids and provide them and their families with the recreational, educational and emotional support needed throughout the long hours of chemotherapy, illness and isolation."

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Evaluation Conclusions

               

Friends of Kids with Cancer (FKC) meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
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Programs

               

Friends of Kids with Cancer's programs are categorized by recreational, educational and emotional. Educational Programs encourage the kids to THINK positive. Emotional Programs provide creative outlets for the kids to FEEL confident. Recreational Programs give kids a reason to SMILE. All services and programs are suggested and/or requested by the medical staff at area treatment centers and are approved by the Service Committee and Board of Directors. Educational Support Programs: 1. Educational and Motivational Assistance; high quality cost-free tutoring to enhance scholastic self-esteem for a successful return to school. 2. Educational Testing Program; Toxic chemotherapy treatments cause severe learning difficulties. Tests and assessments determine a baseline study for development and stability. 3. Scholarship Program; Awards 5 - 7 $1,000 college scholarships to cancer survivors. B. EMOTIONAL PROGRAMS: 1. Art Therapy; provides a means of communication when words cannot suffice. 2. Psychological Services/Support Groups; These services help the patients and their families deal with the issues that weigh so heavily on their hearts and minds. 3. Play Therapy; Helps children systematically address and resolve their own problems through play that is best suited to their development level. C. RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS 1. Toy Closets/Toy Chests; Cornerstone of our organization which provides the "little fun things" that can make the devastation of cancer more bearable. 2. Entertainment at Treatment Centers; Computers, TV's video games, etc., are provided to distract the patients from the discomfort of the treatments. 3. Special Assistance; A $200 to $300 gift is provided once a year to all patients in active treatment as suggested by medical staff. 4. Ian Kyle Fund (Relapse) An additional gift to boost morale to children who unfortunately are experiencing a relapse of their cancer. 5. Parties and Events; Sponsors family parties for families to spend time together to bond outside of the treatment center. 6. Provide meals and snacks to treatment centers for families to enjoy while there. 7. Smile Makers; Provide some of the hottest tickets in town to families to give them a special "free" night out. 8. Memory Makers; Offers patients and families opportunity to spend unforgettable moments with each other at a time most needed.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, FKC's program expenses were:

  
Recreational 465,630
Educational 105,864
Emotional 88,701
Expansion 79,497
Total Program Expenses: $739,692
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Governance

               

Chief Executive : Judy Ciapciak, Executive Director
Compensation*:
 $60,903

Chair of the Board: Kathy Richey
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation: Retired, DRS Technologies

Board Size: 28

Paid Staff Size: 5

*Compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
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Fund Raising

               

Method(s) Used:

invitations to fund raising events, print advertisements, radio, grant proposals, internet, planned giving arrangements, 3rd Party Events
Fund raising costs were 11% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $923,685, are donations received as a result of fund raising activities.)
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Tax Status

               

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
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Financial

               

The following information is based on FKC's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

Source of Funds  
Contributions & Grants 611,580
Fundraising Events 312,105
Unrealized gains on investments 223,715
Interest and Dividends 59,123
Realized Loss on Sale of Investments -69,393
Total Income $1,137,130


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Uses of Funds as a % of Total Expenses

Programs: 82%  Fund Raising: 11%  Administrative: 7% 

Total income   $1,137,130
  Program expenses $739,692
  Fund raising expenses 101,231
  Administrative expenses 61,541
 
Total expenses   $902,464
Income in Excess of Expenses   234,666
Beginning net assets   1,859,328
Ending net assets   2,093,994
Total liabilities   40,799
Total assets   $2,134,793


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