Enlisted Village cited as one of 'Florida's Best' charities Published Sept. 10, 2008 By Jodi L. Jordan Air Force Enlisted Village SHALIMAR, Fla. (AFPN) -- The Air Force Enlisted Village, one of the four official charities of the Air Force, was lauded in the August issue of "Florida Trend" magazine as one of the state's best charities. According to author Barbara Miracle, "Just as increasing productivity is a key to success for businesses, the best charitable organizations find ways to do more with less. Keeping fund-raising and administrative costs low means more money for the organization's mission, whether that's feeding the poor, helping the elderly, performing the arts or providing other services." The Air Force Enlisted Village earned the spot in "Florida Trend" because of its organization efficiency and how well it has operated over time, according to Ms. Miracle. That efficiency is represented in the organization's second consecutive four-star rating by Charity Navigator, a non-profit group that rates more than 5,000 charities each year. According to Michael Smith, Charity Navigator's interim president and chief operating officer, "Only 15 percent of the charities we've rated have received at least two consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Air Force Enlisted Village outperforms most charities in American in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible. This 'exceptional' designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Air Force Enlisted Village from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust." The AFEV, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity, provides a home for the surviving spouses of enlisted military servicemembers. They operate three sites in the local area: Bob Hope Village, Teresa Village and Hawthorn House, the AFEV's assisted living residence. "We are very proud and excited to be recognized once again as a four-star organization," said James C. Binnicker, president and CEO, and former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. "We depend on the generous contributions from our donors to help us provide a home for enlisted widows. This prestigious Four-Star rating makes our efforts worthwhile in maintaining the trust and respect our donors have with our organization." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page