The Second Mile Cancels Major Charity Event (PSU-Related)

[MineralMan]

http://www.thesecondmile.org/welcome.php

The Second Mile, the charity associated with PSU accused rapist Sandusky, was supposed to be having a big reverse drawing charity event this evening. It has suddenly been canceled, per an announcement on the charity's home page.

There's a long message on that home page about Sandusky, followed by the announcement of the cancellation of the event. I imagine a lot of people who are associated with this charity are not interested right now in being publicly associated with it. From the announcement:


"While we are providing our children’s programming as scheduled, The Second Mile has decided, out of respect and compassion for all impacted by the allegations from the Attorney General’s office, to postpone The Second Mile’s Reverse Drawing, which was to be held November 11, 2011. In past years, this has been a fun-filled and exciting evening, and we cannot imagine holding this event in the wake of the recent allegations, which have brought shock, sadness and concern to all associated with The Second Mile organization.

We thank you again for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at the re-scheduled event. We will be in contact with you about your Reverse Drawing support and our continuing to serve children together."

[justiceischeap]

1. Is anyone investigating the organization itself?

I wouldn't be surprised if there aren't like-minded folks in this organization.

[MineralMan]

2. I imagine that questions are being raised and asked about it.

Other names may appear in time who are connected in some way.

[doublethink]

3. Hmmm need to find out who is on ......

the donor list to that organization. Wonder if it is available on the web? .... :think: .... I'll go look ....

[MineralMan]

4. I didn't explore the whole site, but they usually have lists of

major donors somewhere on charity sites. Many people like to be recognized for their charity, it seems.

[doublethink]

6. Yeah here is the only kind of list I could see on the site .....

http://www.thesecondmile.org/waysToGive/recognition.php

highly recognized givers to the organization in one way or another ... no amount given, etc. I want official Tax and Government records. lol, may be asking too much here online. :P

[KamaAina]

9. Their 2010 annual report

pages 5 and 7.

http://www.thesecondmile.org/pdf/AnnualReport2010.pdf

[MineralMan]

5. The Honorary Board Members for the organization is interesting:

http://www.thesecondmile.org/ourTeam/bod/bodHono.php

I see lots of football folks on that honorary board, and even one ESPN sports writer or announcer, Matt Millen, who broke down in tears on the air over this. It may be interesting to compare who's saying what with this list.

[pnwmom]

7. Before we condemn all the board members on the basis of no information

let's not forget that board members are essential to the existence of charitable organizations.

I am on a board and yes, before I accepted the (non-paying) appointment, I did think about possible legal liability if something terrible happened. It's a shame that that has to be a consideration, but it does.

I hope that the result of this nightmare is not to discourage good people from being willing to join charitable boards.

The Second Mile says this on its web page:

"As The Second Mile’s CEO Jack Raykovitz testified to the Grand Jury, he was informed in 2002 by Pennsylvania State University Athletic Director Tim Curley that an individual had reported to Mr. Curley that he was uncomfortable about seeing Jerry Sandusky in the locker room shower with a youth. Mr. Curley also shared that the information had been internally reviewed and that there was no finding of wrongdoing. At no time was The Second Mile made aware of the very serious allegations contained in the Grand Jury report."

I believe that what The Second Mile says is true because it accords with what Curley told the Grand Jury. To the Grand Jury, Curley denied knowing that anything serious had happened, so it's easy to believe that's what he told The Second Mile, too.

[MineralMan]

8. I don't think anyone is condemning anyone at The Second Mile

There's not enough information to do that. It is of interest because of Sandusky's connection with that organization and the nature of that organization, which deals with children, many of whom are in foster care. It would be a serious mistake not to have a close look at the organization, I think. Investigation is not condemnation.