Pro athletes' charity foundations were examined in a
front-page piece in the WASHINGTON POST under the header
"Charity Funds of Sports Figures Don't Always Work Out."
The POST's Bill Brubaker: "In an era when sports celebrities
often are portrayed as arrogant, pampered, money-grubbing
mercenaries, dozens are displaying a caring, selfless side
by setting up charities. ... sports celebrities, however,
have a decidedly mixed record in the administration of their
foundations." Brubaker noted some have "failed" to observe
federal, state and DC law, while others charities were
formed "without adequate planning or financial advice." At
times, contributions to these foundations are not spent for
the purpose donors intended." Brubaker noted the Juwan
Howard foundation "has not registered to solicit donations"
in DC, "as required of charities that raise more than $1,500
annually." FAME's Curtis Polk, partner of Howard's agent
David Falk, who administers the charity, said in two years
the foundation has raised "about" $77,000. Polk: "If we
have to register and we didn't, I'm sure we will"
(WASHINGTON POST, 3/22).
