The following was written by Charles Blum, founder of the International Advisory Services Group, Ltd. and a Director of the Coalition for a Prosperous America.

RISKY BUSINESS

 Bernie Madoff literally made off with billions of unsuspecting people’s cash by promising consistent annual returns that were too good to be true.  His $50 billion Ponzi scheme bilked a wide range of rich folks, including a Hollywood mogul, a wealthy US senator and several sports team owners.   For some of them, the losses will be significant but not crippling; for others, their entire financial future has gone down the drain.  Several charities let the allure of high returns undo the generosity of donors and their ability to perform their mission.