thepeel
Joined: 08 Aug 2004
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 Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 8:42 pm Post subject: Fundraiser refunds sought after Lewis doesn't show |
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This is an odd story. The keynote speaker at an AIDS charity event in Canada was unable to make it due to illness and as a result many of the people wanted their money back after the evening was over. That is, they requested and got a refund from an AIDS in Africa benefit.
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Refund demands irk AIDS benefit organizers
Organizers were "devastated" after more than 130 people sought refunds to a major AIDS fundraiser in London after keynote speaker Stephen Lewis failed to show.
Lewis, a gifted orator and former United Nations special envoy on AIDS, fell ill and couldn't attend Monday's Under an African Sky event at the John Labatt Centre.
The demand for refunds has raised the question about the propriety of seeking refunds from a charitable event if the main attraction is a no-show.
Reached at home last night, Lewis said he regards London as "one of the most generous communities in Canada" but understands those who paid anywhere from $35 to $100 for tickets would have expected to see the keynote speaker.
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"I could just bawl," said Mandi Fields, the event's co-organizer.
"I'd really like to say thanks to those who came out and honoured all the performers and volunteers that were involved, but I am shocked so many people would want their money back."
She said at least 136 people got refunds, but suspects the number is closer to 200.
"We know (Lewis) is the draw, but we thought if you are into (fighting) AIDs in Africa . . . and if you are willing to buy a ticket to support the cause, are you going to want your money back?"
The fundraiser for the Stephen Lewis Foundation was a success last year. Lewis headlined, and a performance by the African Children's Choir helped to bring in about $60,000 to fight the pandemic.
This year, after fewer ticket sales (just more than 1,000, compared to last year's 3,000) and last-minute refunds, Fields said organizers hope to raise $20,000 for the foundation.
The event featured the Cowboy Junkies and London hip hop artist Shad K, as well as anti-bullying expert Barbara Coloroso -- who replaced Lewis as keynote speaker.
Fields wasn't sure how much in refunds has been paid out.
Lewis cancelled at the last minute because of "disc-associated back pain," said his assistant, Chris Magill.
"His doctor's ordered him to stay flat on his back," she said. "He was told not to travel."
Lewis said he doesn't read anything into refund requests.
"I was part of the evening and I guess people felt they had paid for that and were disappointed in it.
"I don't know to what extent they might have understood it as a contribution and maybe they made an independent contribution," he said.
"I wanted to do a video and I felt badly about that. I think if I could have handled a video, it might have made a difference."
Fields said organizers decided to refund tickets for those who wanted them thinking there'd only be "a few."
But then Fields was called to the lobby where "tonnes of people" wanted refunds. |
http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_health_news_details
Classy! |
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