Silver Spring, Maryland [February 13, 2008]—For the third year in a row, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International has earned a coveted four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities.

"Only nine percent of the charities we've rated have received at least three consecutive four-star evaluations, indicating that ADRA outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible," says Michael Smith, interim president and chief operating officer for Charity Navigator. "This 'exceptional' designation from Charity Navigator differentiates ADRA from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust."

The full review of ADRA's financial responsibility is accessible on the Charity Navigator Web site: www.charitynavigator.org.

Charity Navigator is an independent non-profit organization designed to provide the public with the most accurate, reliable information regarding America's largest charities. Each year, they evaluate more than five thousand charitable organizations to ensure that donations given are used judiciously.

"ADRA is both honored and humbled to receive Charity Navigator's highest rating for a third straight year," commented Charles Sandefur, president of ADRA International. "This continued external recognition affirms just how much we appreciate and value our donors. We treat them and their contributions—whether large or small—with the utmost respect, making sure that as much of their gifts as possible goes directly towards ADRA's humanitarian services."

ADRA is also proud to meet the exacting standards for charitable accountability set up by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and features the BBB Wise Giving Alliance seal on its fund-raising materials and on its Web site. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standards were created to help donors make wise choices when donating in the non-profit world, and promote confidence in charitable organizations.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.

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Author: Nadia McGill

Media Contact: Kara Watkins ADRA International 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: 301.680.6357 Mobile: 301.526.2625 E-mail: Media.Inquiries@adra.org