Group Cancels Events for GOP Convention

[kskiska]

Plans Had Drawn Criticism

A charitable organization closely tied to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) announced yesterday that it has canceled a series of parties and other events it had scheduled around the Republican National Convention, after it drew sharp criticism from public watchdog groups.

The organization, Celebrations for Children Inc., said officials canceled the events after deciding they had become too expensive to hold. "It has become clear New York around the time of the Republican Convention is too expensive a venue, therefore CfC will not hold the New York events and instead will pursue other less expensive locations later this year," the organization said in a statement.

Neither DeLay's office nor the charitable group returned calls requesting comment.

Several public watchdog groups have criticized the activities of the organization. They say the events amounted to little more than a fundraising scheme designed to raise large contributions that would finance parties DeLay had planned to host at the convention, which will be held Aug. 30 through Sept. 2.

His aides have defended the group, saying that at least three-quarters of the money raised would have gone to help needy children. The remainder would have financed dinners, a golf tournament, Broadway tickets and other fundraising events.

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A37760-2004May18.html

[leesa]

1. "Too expensive"....will that be the euphemism for "too scary"??

What a bunch of corrupt chickenshits! Must be Republicans.

[Tellurian]

2. That isn't really how it works...

"His aides have defended the group, saying that at least three-quarters of the money raised would have gone to help needy children. The remainder would have financed dinners, a golf tournament, Broadway tickets and other fund raising events."

I have hosted many fundraisers. The way it works. After the parties and "treats" are dispersed expenses deducted, the remainder of funds, the net, is what is left as the charitable donation.

DeLay's aides have it exactly back wards. That means one quarter of the proceeds after expenses would be left as the final donation. The CFC were wise in their decision to cancel the event. There are other venues that would be more profitable and generous in the end with the percentages as the final donation because they ask that the prizes and treats be donated, greatly reducing and off setting the final donation tally.

[Tellurian]

3. I agree with leesa...The Rethug convention will be no place for kiddies..