Patti Blagojevich's Charity Rejects Reality Show Donation: 'We Want To Be A Respectable Organization'

Chicago Tribune:

The day after former Illinois First Lady Patti Blagojevich ate a dead tarantula on network television to benefit herself and a charity, the selected charity said today it had declined the offered money. Another charity took its place, said NBC.

Read the whole story: Chicago Tribune

Comments

[Hereslookingatu]

05:10 PM on 06/02/2009

Frankly, criminal or not, when did pediatric cancer organizations decide to be so picky? I'd feel good in fact, siphoning some of the ridiculous and ill-directed entertainment money that's a part of these charades to a fine and worthy organization once in a while.

Lame move, Bear Necessities.

[jeburr24]

06:28 PM on 06/02/2009

From the Trib article:

"Among the things federal prosecutors allege about former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is that in his last weeks as governor he tried to extort a campaign donation from the charity's partner hospital, Children's Memorial Hospital, in exchange for releasing reimbursement funds to them."

Sounds to me like the charity is trying to avoid a conflict of interest. Not lame at all, IMHO.

[meede]

07:09 PM on 06/02/2009

I agree with you totally. I recall when it was first talked about that her husband withheld funds from the hospital which was disgraceful but then we're talking Blago who has not scruples. I could see Blago trying to manipulate it when he goes on trial

In respect of the charity, I have sent a donation.

[Mahi Joe]

08:16 AM on 06/03/2009

This organization has done some great work and has a wonderful group of people and businesses which have supported it all these years and does not need to resort to getting money from sources which could damage it's reputation. Remember, Patti was fired from her non-for-profit job with the Chicago Christian Industrial League (earning $100,000 annual salary) because it was felt that with her husband being brought to trial on corruption charges it may not help the organization's fund raising activities Plus the fact, that Patti, did not bring in any more donations than they were already getting. Courtney made a wise decision.

[Mahi Joe]

05:02 PM on 06/02/2009

WTG Bear Necessities.