Are non-profit funds being used for political social events?

Dear Editor:

As a long-time supporter of Blue Ridge Hospice—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to which I have dedicated both time and financial resources—I was deeply disheartened to learn that the organization sponsored a political social event, on October 4 in Winchester. The event was entirely unrelated to its mission.

This organization is a truly amazing end of life caring facility, whose mission statement is, “committed to making quality end-of-life care available to individuals and families facing serious illness and to support anyone in our community affected by death, dying and loss.”

Not knowing why this particular social event appeared in her social media feed, a 17+ year employee of this organization, who does not condone political activism in her personal feed—posted a negative emoji on this event.

Subsequently, she was fired for placing the negative emoji on this event announcement. Upon her firing, she was then told that her employer was the sponsor of the event.  

She received no severance, no letter of recommendation, and was fired on the spot.

It is inconceivable to me that a long-time employee would be fired for an innocent expression, not knowing that the local event was indeed sponsored by her employer—as it was never advertised that her employer was even a sponsor.

There have been several attempts to contact the Board, which initially resulted in a call from their attorney, who informed me that the Board Chair, was fully aware of their sponsorship of the political event.

I am writing seeking full transparency from the entire company Board—not only regarding their knowledge of this political social event sponsorship, but also to raise an important question: how could such a compassionate organization justify firing a long-term employee for innocently placing a single emoji on someone’s social media page without knowing this political social event was sponsored by her non-profit employer?

Becky Hackney
Round Hill