Brandy Giveth Charity and Taketh Away Charity

[XLFD]

The picture below showing up on the Ludington Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau (LCVB) Facebook page on February 21, 2019 had a caption:  "Downtown Ludington Marketing & Event Manager, Jen Tooman, accepts a check from CVB Executive Director, Brandy Miller."

Now the titles of both women were correct, but this announcement left me scratching my head a little.  As you can see on the oversized check, the money comes from proceeds from the 2019 Ludington Brrrewfest held recently, and Brandy signed it.   One reason I was scratching my head was that I had thought the 2019 Brrewfest proceeds were going to their usual beneficiary, the Friends of the Ludington State Park, after all, that's what many of their advertisements had said like this major one:

Nothing about 'Downtown Ludington', just like this state-sponsored website:

These weren't alone, the following websites also stated that the proceeds were only going to the FLSP, including this one, this one, this one, this one, and this one that unequivocally tells all interested that "All proceeds benefit the Friends of Ludington State Park"-- all.

The local newspaper also made an interesting statement regarding the event (emphasis added):  "The fifth annual music, food and craft beer festival — hosted by the Downtown Ludington Board and the Ludington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau — will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at Rotary Park..."  The DLB is a co-host, interesting...

 

So the websites advertising the events say the proceeds are going exclusively to the valid charity, the local paper declares the DLB is helping to host the event, and yet the LCVB writes a check for $3800 to both the DLB and the FLSP.  

Recall the initial picture.  Brandy Miller leads the LCVB, she gives a $3800 check to Jen Tooman, who is not an actual member of the DLB just a contractor, however, Brandy (Henderson) Miller is a voting member

It appears that at some point the LCVB director was involved with an executive decision to expand the beneficiary list to include a non-charitable organization that was said to be a co-host of the event, when the advertisements for Brrrewfest stated explicitly or implicitly that all the proceeds would go to the Friends of Ludington State Park charity. 

It was decided by Ludington City Councilor/Chamber President/Executive Director of the LCVB/DLB voting member Brandy Miller to write a check effectively to herself rather than to who it was supposed to go to.  No wonder she's grinning so widely, since Tooman will need to give it back to her once the picture is taken for her 'charity' which isn't a charity at all.

[shinblind]

Since this check is made out to Downtown Ludington do all residents get a slice of this check or do you have to live downtown?

My slice would be about $0.47 if it is shareable by the hoi polloi.  

If you live in Downtown Ludington your slice might be as large as almost $4.00 depending on where the border is drawn and how many live there.  If it is only for those employed in the downtown your cut might be even more generous.

Anyway if I am covered, they can take my $0.47 and use it for more plastic ice. No need to thank me for my donation.