 Dear entertainment community, I am writing to express my sincerest concern in the unethical behaviors of a select few. I risk alot and gain nothing by voicing this concern however this is the right thing to do and I believe in it enough for any risk. I know others see things happening and it’s time to stop it. First there is a major conflict of interest between The Cherry Fund, a non-profit organization that supports the HIV/AIDS community and the unlicensed business of several party productions. I take personal attention to this matter being HIV-positive. I vocalize this concern because members of the LGBT community are unethically using Cherry Fund funds. I know that several people see these transactions know about these transactions and either do not know what to do or add to problem by allowing this behavior to continue. We are a community that must stick together and no matter how fun or what influence any entity has or thinks they have they need to earn it by doing things right. As a result of information being offered by other concerned sources the DC Attorney General has launched an investigation. These investigations can take a long time to materialize into a report. I am reaching out to express this concern and to ask for your assistance to do your part to assure this conflict does not unintentionally sweep any unnecessary bystanders into this web of conflict. I intend to hold those who have any responsibility for any deficit of funds that should have gone to the local HIV/AIDS community to the fullest. It pains me personally to think members of the LGBT community have handled the intended funds raised for the HIV/AIDS community unethically. I am committed to being as transparent as I can. Much of the evidence is in the pubic eye. (Feel free to read previous posts on this blog) Others are less public however witnessed by several in regard to things like contractual, financial transactions and international VISA laws. Let me be clear, I’m not asking anyone to withdraw support, or cause harm to the intended purpose of The Cherry Fund. I continue to donate, and support and I ask that you do as well. Any withdraws could harm the good work that many volunteers invest in and could ultimately reduce the amount donated to organizations who support those living with HIV/AIDS. These local organizations need whatever funding they can get to continue to provide services to those in need. I am however asking that if any transaction you do with The Cherry Fund does not meet your level of checks and balances or proper way of doing business, that you protect yourself and request any/all written documentation. This could be anything from payment of DJ’s (make them issue you a check) to written contracts. Nothing should be under the table. This includes any business pertaining to any production company associated with those on the Board of Directors of the Cherry Fund. Don’t get swept up and feel free to use this communication as a excuse or an out. Use it as an excuse to request any transaction you perform with the organization be done differently and to a level that makes you comfortable. Several years ago I sat on the National Association of People Living with AIDS. It was at the time the longest oldest voice for those living with HIV/AIDS. One of the most painful things professionally I’ve had to do was to vote to shut the operations down due in some part of financial transactions by the director. The trustees regrettably had to refer the matter to the MD Attorney General who ultimately charged the Director and who was found guilty on charges related to financial transactions. I mention this because I have experience in these types of investigations, and I refuse to allow another HIV/AIDS organization to be taken advantage of at the expense of those living with HIV/AIDS. I welcome any questions or conversations and I commit to (to the extent I can without affecting ongoing investigations) being as transparent as possible. Feel free to offer respectful thoughts or questions here If you feel you have information pertaining to anything I have said please join others in sharing what information you have, I can assure you information will remain strictly confidential. If frustrated with this note, take a moment to consider the amount of tickets sold at the price point sold, sponsors, and other sources of funding throughout the year and ask yourself why only $100,000 was donated to local organizations Then reach out to me so I can connect you to those who would like to know what you know. Cherry Fund: Your refusal to supply the requested tax documents is suspect. I now know why you couldn't supply them. You amended 2016 to account for your $70,000 mistake and finally filed 2017 after being fined by the IRS in March of this year. Thank you for finally being transparent even if forced to do so by the IRS however Where is 2018? I encourage anyone doing business with the Cherry Fund to request annual reports, financial audits and see what sort of response you get when you start asking questions - that is if you get a response at all. Remeber its more than a party its support to local orgaizations who support those living with HIV/AIDS. Very respectfully, Tom Donohue   |
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