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Shriners sue over Web site's charges

A member of the site's parent group, also a Shriner, has raised questions about the charity's finances.

By CARRIE WEIMAR
Published September 21, 2006

TAMPA - The Shriners are suing one of their members for defamation after he launched a Web site that raises questions about the way the Tampa-based organization uses funds.

The suit, filed in Hillsborough Circuit Court, accuses J. Vernon Hill and the other members of his company, Charity Watch Center, of spreading lies about Shriners Hospitals, a nonprofit headquartered in Tampa.

Hill, 63, is vice president of Charity Watch Center, based in Hollywood, Fla. and has a Web site: www.help-page-nonprofit.org.

The lawsuit claims Hill used the site to spread misinformation about the Shriners, including allegations the charity is being investigated by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office for misusing donations.

Those allegations are false, said the Shriners' attorney, G. Donovan Conwell Jr.

"It's very important as a charitable organization that its reputation is not tarnished by people making false statements about them," Conwell said.

Hill, who lives in Morehead City, N.C., is a member of the Sudan Shriners in New Bern, N.C. He has been an outspoken critic since joining the organization, sending inflammatory letters about the organization to other members, according to the lawsuit.

He previously served as the club's secretary and on the Endowment, Wills and Gifts committee, but was asked to resign from both posts because of his attitude, the suit stated.

Hill said he's asking legitimate questions about an organization that takes in millions of dollars in contributions each year.

"When you have an $8-billion corporation taking on the little man for asking questions about financial accountability, it makes you wonder - what are they hiding?" Hill said.

Hill remains a Shriner despite his doubts. "I believe in what we do for the kids," he said, referring to the Shriners hospitals that treat crippled and burned children for free.

The Shriners are seeking more than $75,000 in damages against Hill and Charity Watch Center, saying the misinformation has hurt fundraising.

Conwell said the lawsuit was a final resort after Hill refused to remove information from his Web site.

Paul Dolnier, president of Charity Watch Center, said it doesn't have the money to hire a lawyer but is determined to take on the Shriners in court. They group will represent itself if necessary, he said.

"It will really be David vs. Goliath," Dolnier said.

Carrie Weimar can be reached at 813 226-3416 or cweimar@sptimes.com.

[Last modified September 21, 2006, 01:17:27]