ABOUT “SB GAY PRIDE 2001”
[ The following joint letter has been authorized by the Boards of Directors of the Santa Barbara Gay & Lesbian Business Association (GLBA) and Pacific Pride Foundation (PPF). Please feel free to pass it along to those for whom it would be informative. ]
In response to numerous inquiries we’ve received from concerned members of our LGBT and Charitable Giving communities, and in an effort to protect the relationships we have developed and sustained with agencies, vendors and gay-friendly businesses we work with, have business dealings with and support, we are jointly publishing the following open letter:
We would like to advise our friends, supporters and all interested members of the community that we are not, in any way, affiliated with Charles Rice and any of his organizations including: the 'GSB Foundation Inc', 'SB Gay Pride Committee', 'Gay SB Foundation', 'SB Gay Travel' and other names he has or is using.
Although the Pacific Pride Foundation (PPF) Youth Center and the Gay and Lesbian Business Association (GLBA) Scholarship Fund have been promoted as beneficiaries for 'SB Gay Pride 2001', the use of these names and programs was NOT authorized or agreed to. We are NOT affiliated with nor are we involved in any way with these events or productions.
Mr. Rice has represented the 'GSB Foundation Inc' and the 'SB Gay Pride Committee' to be a charitable and not-for-profit foundation. Mr. Rice identifies himself as Executive Director of these groups. To date, requests for proof of necessary and essential IRS 501(c)3 non-profit documentation and explanations of where contributions raised are going or how they are being spent have not been answered. According to official records of the Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder, the 'GSB Foundation Inc' and the 'SB Gay Pride Committee' are Fictitious Business Names registered and controlled by Mr. Rice.
Without satisfactory proof of the existence of a bona fide tax exempt, non-profit foundation with effective community oversight and accountability, we will not be supporting or participating in this event.
While we are strongly supportive of cultural events celebrating the gay and lesbian experience, we urge members of the community to exercise caution and common sense about any group that purports to be charitable in nature prior to contributing your good will, time and financial support.
If you are uncertain of or have any reservations whatsoever about the validity of a charitable organization, ask to see evidence of IRS-approved non-profit status.All reputable charities will be more than happy to produce documentation to satisfy your request.
We have worked hard to earn your trust and to maintain a good working relationship. We cherish your support and we value your considerable generosity that has enabled our community to grow and prosper.
Signed Your Friends at:
Board of Directors
Santa Barbara Gay & Lesbian Business Association (GLBA)
& GLBA
Scholarship Fund
Board of Directors
Pacific Pride Foundation of the Central Coast (PPF)
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