 NO Dance Party Or Pride Festival should forget the many of our sisters and brothers who have been infected, who have died or who have been affected by the HIV/AIDS The Cherry Fun and Capital Pride Alliance have done just that. That is NOT OK. We Must SpeakOut & Fight Back against this type of behavior especially within out own community. "Yes, this amount is confirmed for 2019. Each year, the Cherry Fund helps the Capital Pride Alliance by producing an event during the |
| $43,980 taken from service based organizations yet refuses to request Cherry Fund for transparency. | $43,980 taken from service based organizations yet had to apologize that efforts with regards to WORLD AIDS Day fell short |
No problem taking from the HIV/AID service based organizations but can't ask that organization who gave you that money for transparency?
| Capital Pride Alliance since when have you become an organization who provided service-based anything not to mention having any goal of anything around HIV/AIDS, You don't provide mental health services as well as (this would be a loooooong stretch as I don't think you do anything focused with) groups who work with LGBT youth and their allies. | Cherry Fund Mission: The sole purpose of the Fund is to raise monies for service-based non-profit organizations serving the LGBT community of Washington and beyond. Organizations whose primarily goal is to stop the spread of HIV infection & AIDS by prevention, treatment, and education, organizations that provide mental health services as well as groups who work with LGBT youth and their allies. |
Capital Pride Vision & Mission Statement
| The Capital Pride Alliance, through its stewardship of diverse programming and events, specifically year-round LGBTQ+ Pride festivities centered in Washington, DC and the National Capital Region, serves to celebrate, educate, support, and inspire our multi-faceted communities in order to grow and preserve our history and protect our rights for current and future generations. | Our MissionThe Capital Pride Alliance, through its stewardship of diverse programming and events, specifically year-round LGBTQ+ Pride festivities centered in Washington, DC and the National Capital Region, serves to celebrate, educate, support, and inspire our multi-faceted communities in order to grow and preserve our history and protect our rights for current and future generations. |
Tom's Thoughts...
I have two gripes yup. Two gripes about organizations that represent those living with HIV/AIDS like raising money or taking money inteneded for local HIV/AIDS organizations and who they said they care about the gay -HIV positive community member will use them to raise money for them yet either give it away or accept it and do nothing with it for that community
WONDER WHY I ASK FOR TRANSPARENCY
WONDER WHY I ASK FOR TRANSPARENCY
I wish the fund; The Cherry Fund is most successful year ever. I want to see the organization raise as much money as it can to give back to the DMV Area. Cherry Funds have always been intended to support the local HIV/AIDS community and later local mental health CBO's. Ashley Smith you are typically face front with your face before cameras and speaking on behalf of Capital Pride Alliance, usually a task reserved for an organizations staff, so the right people get attention, Board Members typically remain in the background they raise money, provide oversight and support its leadership they don't normally make media appearances you leave those for those within the organization doing to work - so they are put in the spotlight. Ashley you've avoided handling my concerns about The Cherry Fund, years have gone by where you and Ryan continue to give their leadership credibility - approval. You both know The Cherry Fund has not been able to release tax returns because for years at a time they don't do them. If they don't do their taxes then they can't be seen if they can't be seen then they can't be held accountable from public scrutiny, When I approached CPA to ask them to be the leader within the LGBT Community and step up and approach The Cherry Board about the lack of transparency you assured me an investigation. You did nothing and now I know why. CPA accepted the Cherry Fund's largest single donation in 2019 of $12,175 Why? Capital Pride offers not one HIV/AIDS care service. So, should one ask if CPA is in bed with Capital Pride? Is this why you conducted no investigation? Is this why Capital Pride dismissed a person living with HIV's concern about financial transparency because for years you have been accepting monies truly intended to for someone else to benefit CP's budget. There are no questions The Cherry Fund leaves years of taxes go by then hastily files returns filled with errors, yet you continue to advertise, promote and standby them without asking any questions - why are the same characters still in charge of that organization after nearly 10years? why you haven’t asked for a financial audit they have never done one. As a stake holder in the fight against HIV/AIDS since those who your work touches also go to help those who utilize service-related HIV/AIDS organizations why are you accepting any money from Cherry and why are you not concerned about transparency when transparency is not provided. You have done no HIV/AIDS programming you overlooked World AIDS Day two years ago why? because you were too busy trying to ask people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS to give you money.
Did you hear either of these organizations reach out to the most vulnerable during the height of the covid epidemic and ask if anyone need anything? Many living with HIV/AIDS were scared to do anything
Now For supporting documentation:
Despite the Cherry Board of Directors announcement on their website which states:
CHERRY MOVES 25TH ANNIVERSARY TO APRIL 7-10, 2022Hello CHERRY Family,
We would like to apologize for our absence on social media for the past several months. We have all faced uncertainty during these trying times as we try to navigate our way during this pandemic. We want to extend our condolences to all those we’ve lost and those negatively impacted by COVID.
Part of our mission is providing mental health services to the LGBTQ+ community, we know that COVID and the lockdown has affected the mental health and well-being of so many. This said we will be focusing on bringing awareness, strategies and platforms which can be used to improve mental health via our social media.
Our greatest concern is the health and safety of you, our Cherry family, friends, and patrons.
Due to current COVID restrictions and guidelines set forth by Washington DC and emerging COVID variants we can’t proceed with having CHERRY 25 in 2021. Our tentative plan will be to have CHERRY 25 in the spring of 2022.
In the meantime we plan to host some smaller scale events in the Fall of 2021, contingent on DC government guidelines, whether that will be a virtual or in-person. This will not be decided until late summer and or when restrictions have been lifted. Once lifted, hopefully by late summer, we will announce the dates and where the events will be produced (whether that be virtual or at a local venue). We miss seeing everyone on the dance floor and enjoying the ambience that CHERRY is so proud to bring throughout the year. We encourage you to continue adhering to your local health and safety guidelines, get vaccinated, and continue to wear a mask.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during these unparalleled times.
-CHERRY BOARD
I just don't believe it. So they decided to skip this year all together and wait until the spring of 2022. However they will do smaller events this year I'd wonder if they will be listed under their (non-registered with the District) for-profit production business. They list no details nor have they updated refund information for last years event that they cancelled and didn't refund 100% of the money. Mark my words fellow concerned for the organization and those organizations where the money went - This is about to get very messy. I hope all recent recipients of their grants will join me in sharing this concern as they are the ones loosing out and every person affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS should be pissed frankly. Just like when Capital Pride 'overlooked' World AIDS Day 2020 and refused to issue a public apology. No word back from Ryan on my suggestions on hosting an HIV/AIDS related event during Pride. I thought they would have jumped on that. Hopefully Capital Pride Alliance will see the importance of those nationwide and begin to prioritize keeping those infected and affected in the forefront. I do think its disgusting that Capital Pride has accepted The Cherry Fund as a "BE TRUE, BE YOU Bronze Advocates" sponsor given factual based evidence of which at the very least they refuse to release their taxes like Capital Pride would have to do as a non-profit. Remember there is much more but in black and white proof that is where anyone can join and ask themselves why?
Regarding last years cancellation (don't we find it funny they didn't try for this year knowing the nation was re-opening?) How many of you have tried recently to get a refund or to inquire about your refund? I'm starting to hear from some irritated people who say they are having troubles getting a refund from their credit card company. Here is what one person said,
Regarding last years cancellation (don't we find it funny they didn't try for this year knowing the nation was re-opening?) How many of you have tried recently to get a refund or to inquire about your refund? I'm starting to hear from some irritated people who say they are having troubles getting a refund from their credit card company. Here is what one person said,
Have you heard anything more from Cherry Fund? Maybe we need to get some kind of settlement started. I am having trouble getting it back from my credit card company.
Most people likely have forgotten that big ticket price tag and even fighting for that refund as since they have pushed it back to next year there is no guidance from Eventbrite or even from Cherry despite their claim in a comment on their Facebook page they seem to think Eventbrite will honor the credit for next year however they say they are still discussing it with Eventbrite and have yet to release anything about details of that arrangement. The credit from my understanding expire at the end of this year. Infact on one of the two sites they own they have nothing about this update above they still have it saying "CHERRY 25 StatementThe Cherry Fund understands the impact of COVID-19. YOUR SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY. As you are aware, The Cherry Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our mission is to raise money for HIV/AIDS & Mental Health Services serving the Washington DC Metropolitan area and beyond. All pre-purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates of our 25th Anniversary, October 1-5, 2020. We would like to thank you for your continued support, patience, and understanding with this matter. Please continue to practice proper health and safety measures. With Love, The Cherry Fund Family.
DO NOT DELAY IN TRYING TO SEEK COMPENSATION FROM EVENTBRITE OR CHERRY FUND THE LONGER YOU WAIT THE HARDER IT WILL BE TO GET ANYTHING FROM THIS SITUTATION.
If anyone experiences any additional problems I'd appreciate hearing from you I will continue to keep the pressure on everyone including the LGBT publications which to this point has refused to cover any of this story even though its in black and white. I wonder why they just don't ask for Cherry Fund to release their taxes and see if they get a response. Either way, I bet this is about to get mighty messy and would not be surprised if and AG investigation into the refunds of the Eventbrite money is not launches *there is no indication at this time there is such an investigation however it would not surprise me* If you want to read more articles about other questionable matters with The Cherry Fund visit: http://tomdonohue.pw/tomsthoughts/category/the-cherry-fund
Contact me below if you have anything to add or if Cherry would like to make any comments, I always want to be clear that I'm open to a discussion with them.
Good luck with that credit or refund. I've done the work for you and included what process is in place to request a refund here is what it says:
DO NOT DELAY IN TRYING TO SEEK COMPENSATION FROM EVENTBRITE OR CHERRY FUND THE LONGER YOU WAIT THE HARDER IT WILL BE TO GET ANYTHING FROM THIS SITUTATION.
If anyone experiences any additional problems I'd appreciate hearing from you I will continue to keep the pressure on everyone including the LGBT publications which to this point has refused to cover any of this story even though its in black and white. I wonder why they just don't ask for Cherry Fund to release their taxes and see if they get a response. Either way, I bet this is about to get mighty messy and would not be surprised if and AG investigation into the refunds of the Eventbrite money is not launches *there is no indication at this time there is such an investigation however it would not surprise me* If you want to read more articles about other questionable matters with The Cherry Fund visit: http://tomdonohue.pw/tomsthoughts/category/the-cherry-fund
Contact me below if you have anything to add or if Cherry would like to make any comments, I always want to be clear that I'm open to a discussion with them.
Good luck with that credit or refund. I've done the work for you and included what process is in place to request a refund here is what it says:
Request a refund directly from your Eventbrite accountEventbrite automatically creates an account with the email address you used to purchase a ticket. If refund requests are allowed, you’ll see the option to request one in your account:Click “Contact the Organizer” if you don’t see the option to request a refund or you have a question about the status of your refund request.
- Log in to Eventbrite.
- Go to "Tickets" in your account. Select the ticket you want a refund for.
- Click "Request a refund".
- Enter your details and submit your request.
You purchased tickets for an event that did not occur Make sure you meet all the requirements below:If you meet the requirements, ask for a refund through this refund request form.
- You already contacted the organizer and they have either not responded or denied your request
- The event was scheduled to take place within the last 45 days but did not occur (not postponed or rescheduled)
- The organizer used Eventbrite Payment Processing to process your payment
The Cherry Fund seems to not be operating. Here's Why:
- No Twitter postings (not even one mention of World AIDS Day) since May 6th 2020
- No Facebook postings Since Sept 2020, (nothing mentioned about World AIDS Day)
- Their website home page continued to display information about how to get some of their money back from the cancellation of Oct's 25th anniversary announcement.
- Speaking about the 25th Anniversary - doesn't appear they have begun selling tickets or promoting the re-schedule of last years cancelled event which is expected to be hosted starting Oct 1, 2021.
- No answer in regards to a request for taxes of which they are required to respond within 30 days of the request. Not to mention this is the second official request in a few years the first which was ignored resulted in action from the IRS.
Even if they fire things up again, why not post about HIV related things on their social media. I still want to know what they did with the money they got from last years event and why they didn't refund all monies back to those who purchased tickets. Shame. Shame. Shame.
If you knew what was happening, if you overlooked shady transactions if you just didn't care because you too were pocketing from Cherry - hope you feel good about it, hope it haunts you and hope karma is not very kind to you.
PS, Capital Pride - you don't get a pass for not recognizing World AIDS Day either. Your private apology and refusal to apologize publicly and to commit to those within the LGBT community still living with HIV/AIDS and who have supported Capital Pride should be discussed within our own, but more importantly if you are actually apologetic about the oversight - then account for the oversight and recommit - publicly.
Tom Donohue
HIV+, advocate & Activist
Cherry 25Th Is CANCELLED. READ THIS NOW Just days left to claim 40% Refund - yes only 40%!
9/24/2020
On September 8, 2020 The Cherry Fund announced the cancellation of its 25th Anniversary Benefit Weekend. They are required to do this and there is important information about your refunds. They are giving you 40% of your ticket prices back, plus Eventbrite will refund all processing & transaction fees (this is something that Eventbrite is doing for everyone not The Cherry Fund) BUT HERE IS THE VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION: You must take action with your tickets and passes by September 30, 2020. If no action is taken, you will be issued a full refund in the form of an Eventbrite credit towards a future event produced by The Cherry Fund. (Hoping they are still around then)
Here is what they say you need to do:
Option 1:
Log into your Eventbrite account, access your ticket(s) or pass(es) that you’ve purchased for our 25th Anniversary benefit weekend and request a monetary refund. Cherry will refund 100% of all processing and transaction fees and 40% of your base price ticket or pass purchased. Please allow 14 business days from the time of the request to see the funds returned to your account associated with the original form of payment used (ie. Debit, VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).
or
Option 2:
Log into your Eventbrite account, access your ticket(s) or pass(es) that you’ve purchased for our 25th Anniversary benefit weekend and request a credit. You will be issued a refund for the full amount you paid in the form of an Eventbrite credit that can only be used towards a future Cherry Fund event.
Now important to note that on July 31, the eventbrite cherry page looked like this: https://web.archive.org/web/20200731101937/https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cherry-fund-25th-anniversary-weekend-tickets-65562678737 the reason that may be important is this lists the refund policy at that time, meaning this new policy was recently posted.
From Eventbrite page it suggests the following:
Here is what they say you need to do:
Option 1:
Log into your Eventbrite account, access your ticket(s) or pass(es) that you’ve purchased for our 25th Anniversary benefit weekend and request a monetary refund. Cherry will refund 100% of all processing and transaction fees and 40% of your base price ticket or pass purchased. Please allow 14 business days from the time of the request to see the funds returned to your account associated with the original form of payment used (ie. Debit, VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).
or
Option 2:
Log into your Eventbrite account, access your ticket(s) or pass(es) that you’ve purchased for our 25th Anniversary benefit weekend and request a credit. You will be issued a refund for the full amount you paid in the form of an Eventbrite credit that can only be used towards a future Cherry Fund event.
Now important to note that on July 31, the eventbrite cherry page looked like this: https://web.archive.org/web/20200731101937/https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cherry-fund-25th-anniversary-weekend-tickets-65562678737 the reason that may be important is this lists the refund policy at that time, meaning this new policy was recently posted.
From Eventbrite page it suggests the following:
1.2 Refund Process.
In order to initiate a refund request, Eventbrite instructs Consumers to contact the Organizer directly. If no contact information is listed, Eventbrite instructs the Consumer to use the contact the organizer button on the event page or such other information posted on the event page. Organizer agrees to administer its refund policy in accordance with the terms set forth on the applicable event page and the minimum requirements set forth in Section 1.1 above.
When a Consumer requests a refund and the Organizer does not respond by either refunding or denying the request after five (5) days, Eventbrite may, in its sole discretion, execute the refund on behalf of the Organizer and collect such sums directly from the Organizer.
1.3 Eventbrite Review.
In the event that Organizer fails to (i) honor a refund that a Consumer believes is due under the applicable refund policy and/or the minimum requirements set forth above or (ii) deliver its promise to make good in connection with a credit or other accommodation issued to the Consumer, that Consumer may request that Eventbrite initiate a refund by contacting us. Eventbrite will review the facts and circumstances and determine at its sole discretion whether or not a refund is due in accordance with the applicable refund policy and the minimum requirements set forth above. Eventbrite will endeavor to complete its review within thirty (30) days of being contacted by the Consumer. Consumers should note that if an Organizer has selected a facilitated payment method such as PayPal® for an event, Eventbrite will not have control of the funds and Eventbrite will need the provider of the facilitated payment method to cooperate in order to obtain a refund, which may not happen. All determinations by Eventbrite with respect to these Refund Policy Requirements, including without limitation the orders to be refunded and the size of any refund, shall be final and binding on both Organizer and Consumer.
In general Eventbrite refund policy is described here: https://www.eventbrite.com/support/articles/en_US/Troubleshooting/eventbrites-organizer-refund-policy-requirements?lg=en_US
Frankly I want to know who is holding this non-profit to contracts during a world-wide pandemic!
I call bullshit on this we have contracts we can't get out of. Well I'll tell you what - you tell me what vendor will not let you out of your contract because I want to expose them tool I don't know any entity that has a contract to be executed during this pandemic that has not with due time released an entity from this obligation/ If this holds true I want to know so we may bring attention to these vendors and demand they release The Cherry Fund a non-profit organization.
Don't you think The Cherry Fund should have an independent financial auit performed? Its time.
Don't you think The Cherry Fund should have an independent financial auit performed? Its time.
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
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
Cherry Fund On December 18, 2018 I sent an email to the President of the Cherry Fund Allen Sexton requesting him supply me with a copy of the organizations 2017 taxes. I asked him if we could arrange a time to meet to pick them up in person rather than showing up at the address listed with the IRS (which by law he would have had to supply me with a copy immediately) Rather I also gave him an option to send a copy of the organizations taxes within the 30 days required by law. As of this posting there has been no response from any of the board members and nor have they responded to any requests made by either my attorney or myself.
Why?
Why not just disclose the pubic forms as required by law when requested of them - all non-profit organizations are required to follow this, I mean the longer Allen and his board ignores these requests the more and more it appears they have something to hide - I mean why not then right?
As a longtime advocate of the HIV/AIDS community, a person living with HIV, a former Trustee for the National Association of People With AIDS, I must ask The Cherry Fund, why they continue to ignore these very simple requests. Since they have continued to refuse providing this information and as a member of the community they support I feel obligated to bring light to this. My professional beef aside for the moment (see previous post "In Good Faith, I Am Unable To Support The Cherry Funds Executive Board This Year & Here’s Why..." To this day a number of requests have resulted in not one dollar amount being accounted for by any independent agency. To my knowledge this organization has yet to even conduct any type of accounting audit so when asked multiple times about supplying their tax returns and they continue to ignore these requests they themselves cast a shadow upon themselves. A simple response including the information I've requested - nothing of which any non-profit organization must provide upon request would have silenced my inquiry instead they refused pushing me to once again publicly cry out asking for this information.
Allen, you are making it appear that your efforts - something about your efforts are shady otherwise you'd release the information I've requested. Why do you continue to refuse this request? If once again calling you out publicly is the way to get you to act then here you go. Stop your partying for a moment and submit to your business responsibilities. Additionally, to the entire Board of Directors - you too have been requested to supply this information and you too have rejected these requests. The organization you apparently fight for is not being maintained in the best interest of the organization and due to each of your decisions to ignore these requests some sort of oversight should be implemented and until this accountability is complete, I urge the District of Columbia, Cherrys sponsors even the volunteers to withhold your support until a public accountability is conducted. Gosh this would have all been prevented had you just responded to our numerous requests.
So what do you say, care to release financials prior to this year’s party - maybe clear this up quickly? Still awaiting your response.
Tom
Below you'll find the email sent to Allen and the notice that was published to each Board of Directors Facebook Page requesting the same information.
Why?
Why not just disclose the pubic forms as required by law when requested of them - all non-profit organizations are required to follow this, I mean the longer Allen and his board ignores these requests the more and more it appears they have something to hide - I mean why not then right?
As a longtime advocate of the HIV/AIDS community, a person living with HIV, a former Trustee for the National Association of People With AIDS, I must ask The Cherry Fund, why they continue to ignore these very simple requests. Since they have continued to refuse providing this information and as a member of the community they support I feel obligated to bring light to this. My professional beef aside for the moment (see previous post "In Good Faith, I Am Unable To Support The Cherry Funds Executive Board This Year & Here’s Why..." To this day a number of requests have resulted in not one dollar amount being accounted for by any independent agency. To my knowledge this organization has yet to even conduct any type of accounting audit so when asked multiple times about supplying their tax returns and they continue to ignore these requests they themselves cast a shadow upon themselves. A simple response including the information I've requested - nothing of which any non-profit organization must provide upon request would have silenced my inquiry instead they refused pushing me to once again publicly cry out asking for this information.
Allen, you are making it appear that your efforts - something about your efforts are shady otherwise you'd release the information I've requested. Why do you continue to refuse this request? If once again calling you out publicly is the way to get you to act then here you go. Stop your partying for a moment and submit to your business responsibilities. Additionally, to the entire Board of Directors - you too have been requested to supply this information and you too have rejected these requests. The organization you apparently fight for is not being maintained in the best interest of the organization and due to each of your decisions to ignore these requests some sort of oversight should be implemented and until this accountability is complete, I urge the District of Columbia, Cherrys sponsors even the volunteers to withhold your support until a public accountability is conducted. Gosh this would have all been prevented had you just responded to our numerous requests.
So what do you say, care to release financials prior to this year’s party - maybe clear this up quickly? Still awaiting your response.
Tom
Below you'll find the email sent to Allen and the notice that was published to each Board of Directors Facebook Page requesting the same information.
 |  |
In Good Faith, I Am Unable To Support The Cherry Funds Executive Board This Year & Heres Why...
4/10/2018
First I support any/all efforts that provide any support to our or any HIV/AIDS community efforts. That’s clear though my years of support and work within the HIV/AIDS community as an HIV-positive gay man and through the numerous local and national organizations I’ve proudly been a part of or a member of their boards such as the North Central District AIDS Coalition and the now closed National Association of People With AIDS here in DC.
For the last three years my company, TMD Enterprises photography and videography has provided sponsorship supporting The Cherry Funds efforts in donating funds to local HIV/AIDS community organizations here in DC. Since then I've had an opportunity to work closely with the executive team of Cherry. Over these past three years more specifically the last two Cherry has represented itself in ways I can only say are disappointing and unethical. I'll list a few below:
The work that TMD Enterprises has performed in exchange for very limited marketing exposure was performed knowing that the other photographers were also donating their services in exchange for the same marketing exposure. Sadly without notifying TMD Enterprises, The Cherry Fund began paying all the other photographers for their services in one instance signing a contract with one. Not only did they not notify TMD Enterprises of this change they also removed most of its marketing exposure that was verbally agreed upon from TMD Enterprises. I have to ask myself, does the Cherry Fund Executive Board really care about raising money for the local HIV/AIDS organizations or raising their own public profile? Why is there word and even written agreements no longer worth the ink on the paper?
For nearly a year I have attempted to resolve this matter privately asking for meetings with the Board of Directors, I've also requested public information afforded to anyone as a 501 (c)(3) organization and has been denied (I feel I have an even bigger interest into the health of the organization as someone who invests time and effort as a sponsor). I wanted to avoid any harm to the organization that publicly airing my concerns might bring. It saddens me that the Cherry Fund Executive Team puts themselves above the real reason they are there; bringing awareness to the HIV/AIDS DC community and not for the attention to themselves. The way they have treated me and the work I have done for The Cherry Fund clearly signals where their attention rests and it’s not with the cause associated with the efforts of the organization. Sadly, as a member of the HIV community, as an advocate of many years, as a Presidential Invitee of President Barack Obama to the White House for work in the HIV community, I call upon those involved with The Cherry Fund to hold its executive board accountable by releasing a overall financial audit, publicly disclosing the financial sponsorship levels and seriously consider replacing its executive team. I can't support individuals who are more concerned about their own image than the image of those struggling with HIV/AIDS. My support for The Cherry Fund and the organizations it supports is ongoing and I wish the effort well this weekend.
For the last three years my company, TMD Enterprises photography and videography has provided sponsorship supporting The Cherry Funds efforts in donating funds to local HIV/AIDS community organizations here in DC. Since then I've had an opportunity to work closely with the executive team of Cherry. Over these past three years more specifically the last two Cherry has represented itself in ways I can only say are disappointing and unethical. I'll list a few below:
- 1) The Cherry Fund has made no accountability of its funds, the funds its disbursed to local community organizations and refuses to publicly disclose general overviews of the health of the organization. I question the way the organization has filed its yearly taxes and have filed a complaint with the IRS. I cannot find an audit ever being conducted or any annual review being publicly released.
- 2) The Cherry Fund has not followed through and in some cases changed without notice its sponsorship agreement with TMD Enterprises.
- 3) The Cherry Fund broke an agreement between TMD Enterprises and themselves to not only involve TMD Enterprises in the editing process of promos that were made for 2017, they illegally published footage belonging to TMD Enterprises without permission and without proper video credit that was assured would be included just days before they released their promos.
- 4) The Cherry Fund without notice to TMD Enterprises or even mention of a change to its sponsorship agreement began paying the two other photographers who in the same years had donated its services. Additionally, The Cherry Fund without notice removed all of the agreed upon marketing efforts afforded to TMD Enterprises as a sponsor. TMD Enterprises executed our part by providing photography and in addition to at the request of the Cherry Fund also captured video footage of the event intended to be used for future promos. We'd also note that we agreed to provide footage (with out any additional compensation other than the already agreed upon marketing that - again was pulled without notification) for last years promo however it was required they were to provide video credit breaking a license agreement the two had agreed upon after the first promo was published without video credit. (TMD Enterprises filed a copyright infringement with Youtube for two promo videos after the events took place and was found credible and the video promos were removed by Youtube)
- 5) The Cheery Fund removed imbedded TMD Enterprises photo credits of photos taken by Tom Donohue of TMD Enterprises and published by The Advocate Magazine these photos were edited they added their own Cherry watermark to each photo and re-published each photo the Advocate Magazine originally published on their Facebook page listing TMD Enterprises in the general post but cropping the Advocate imbedded photo credit from each photo.
The work that TMD Enterprises has performed in exchange for very limited marketing exposure was performed knowing that the other photographers were also donating their services in exchange for the same marketing exposure. Sadly without notifying TMD Enterprises, The Cherry Fund began paying all the other photographers for their services in one instance signing a contract with one. Not only did they not notify TMD Enterprises of this change they also removed most of its marketing exposure that was verbally agreed upon from TMD Enterprises. I have to ask myself, does the Cherry Fund Executive Board really care about raising money for the local HIV/AIDS organizations or raising their own public profile? Why is there word and even written agreements no longer worth the ink on the paper?
For nearly a year I have attempted to resolve this matter privately asking for meetings with the Board of Directors, I've also requested public information afforded to anyone as a 501 (c)(3) organization and has been denied (I feel I have an even bigger interest into the health of the organization as someone who invests time and effort as a sponsor). I wanted to avoid any harm to the organization that publicly airing my concerns might bring. It saddens me that the Cherry Fund Executive Team puts themselves above the real reason they are there; bringing awareness to the HIV/AIDS DC community and not for the attention to themselves. The way they have treated me and the work I have done for The Cherry Fund clearly signals where their attention rests and it’s not with the cause associated with the efforts of the organization. Sadly, as a member of the HIV community, as an advocate of many years, as a Presidential Invitee of President Barack Obama to the White House for work in the HIV community, I call upon those involved with The Cherry Fund to hold its executive board accountable by releasing a overall financial audit, publicly disclosing the financial sponsorship levels and seriously consider replacing its executive team. I can't support individuals who are more concerned about their own image than the image of those struggling with HIV/AIDS. My support for The Cherry Fund and the organizations it supports is ongoing and I wish the effort well this weekend.
Below you'll find two promos using TMD Enterprises without any credit as they offered others. Promo 1 was published just days after being notified without any promised input or review of its completion and without any video credit as promised and legally required.
Below find conversations with President Allen Sexton, expressing concern about credit, editing, promo videos, etc.
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After the first promo video was published by Cherry - Allen and I put in writing our licenseing agreement - sadly they never gave TMD Enterprises credit on our video used in the second video however they listed us alongside the other sponsors (as they were to do anyway as part of our marketing agreement)
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