Red Cross and Salvation Army ditch plans for fundraisers at Mar-a-Lago

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.— The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army became the latest charitable organizations Friday to abandon plans for events at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.

They’re among several philanthropic groups canceling plans at the resort as pressure mounts from business leaders over the president’s comments about violence in Charlottesville, Va.

A spokeswoman for the Salvation Army told the Sun Sentinel on Friday that it will not host its Holiday Snow Ball in Palm Beach event at Mar-aLago, citing a shifting national conversation.

The Salvation Army relies “heavily on fundraising events” like the ball as part of helping those in need, the group said in a statement.

The American Red Cross also nixed plans to host an annual fundraising event at the resort calling it a “source of controversy and pain” for volunteers, employees and staff.

“We believe this action will allow us to continue to put the focus on our lifesaving mission and the people we serve,” according to a statement.

“The Red Cross provides assistance without discrimination to all people in need, regardless of nationality, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or political opinions, and we must be clear and unequivocal in our defense of that principle.”

On Thursday, three large funding organizations—the American Cancer Society, Cleveland Clinic and American Friends of Magen David Adom—pulled their events.