Fresno Police Fnd. Goes Broke; Local UW Out $50k As Xtian Rock Show Fails [View All]

[stopbush]

It's pretty bad when a Xtian rock concert can't draw a crowd in the heart of Freeperville...


United Way loses $50,000 on show
Fresno police foundation goes broke over fundraiser.

By Doug Hoagland / The Fresno Bee

(Updated Wednesday, October 26, 2005, 5:45 AM)

United Way of Fresno County has lost $50,000 it loaned the Fresno Police Chief's Foundation to help put on a fundraising concert earlier this month that failed. The event was intended to benefit poor neighborhoods in the city.

United Way President Rich Kriegbaum says the agency did not use payroll deductions from individuals or corporate donations to finance the loan. He added that United Way will not sue or take any other action to demand the money be repaid.

The nonprofit Chief's Foundation, which raises money to buy items not covered in the department's traditional budget, went broke because it spent $100,000 on the Oct. 1 fundraiser at Grizzlies Stadium.

The all-day concert featured contemporary Christian and non-Christian bands. Garner said organizers hoped 5,000 to 7,000 people would attend, but that only around 2,000 tickets were sold. Tickets ranged from $20 to $40.

http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/11398949p-12144881c.html