As an admitted reality show junkie, I have always watched The Celebrity Apprentice. It is even a show that my husband enjoys so we watch it together. I was especially interested this season when I found out that Holly Robinson Peete was there to raise money for an Autism charity because one of her sons is affected. She raised a huge amount of money and REPEATEDLY talked about the fact that her charity The HollyRod Foundation helps families to pay for the expensive treatments for Autism! WOO HOO! Excitedly, I logged on to the foundation's "website". http://www.hollyrod.org
I was crushed to see that the site is FULL of info promoting the Peetes and their various books and when their next media appearances are. There is a link to a few Autism resources that could be accessed in seconds with any search engine. In one tiny "How We Help" link there is a Today and Tomorrow section. Apparently "Today" they only provide information. In late 2012/early 2013 they will be building a Compassionate Care Center to serve the Los Angles area and a national grant program for the rest of us.
I understand that the construction process is long, involved and time consuming, but it seems like they should be able to put together some sort of grant program a lot faster than 2 years away. She raised nearly half a million dollars on Celebrity Apprentice. What is going to happen to all of that money for the next several years. As a mother of a child with Autism, she should know how crucial early intervention is! While she is spending her time on media appearances and profitable book deals, underprivileged children are missing out and falling through the cracks.
If you are a celebrity who is going around championing your own foundation, and you appear on a TV show to raise money for that foundation, have it ready to actually help people! Don't use it as a media promotion tool!
ARG!!!!!
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