A Times Editorial

Case of greed in fundraising calls for inquiry

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 12, 2000

Two years ago, Pasco County adopted tougher regulations to control roadside solicitors. Regrettably, the county rules can't govern intent.

Soliciting cash from motorists is one of the ways the Reazon II Roll car club raised money supposedly to assist Brittany Micklo, a 6-year-old struck by a truck near Fox Hollow Elementary School in November 1998.

Tugging at the heartstrings of well-intentioned strangers was an effective fundraising technique. Instead of loose change or $1 bills, people handed over $10 and $20 at a clip when they heard about the first-grader's fight to live, one former club member told reporter Christopher Goffard.

The cash, up to $3,000 by one account, never made it to its stated beneficiary. The club organizers told Goffard the money went for a New Year's Eve party, barbecues, repair bills on their own vehicles and to cover expenses from a car wash.

Expenses from a car wash? It must have been extravagant soap and water.

Blowing the dough on themselves left just a few crumbs for the severely injured little girl. Brittany's mother said the family received a grand total of $20 from the money that was earmarked for the child's medical bills.

The club's founders can't agree on how much they raised or how much they contributed. Estimates of the fundraising vary from $1,500 to $3,000. Contributions to Brittany were $500 or "a couple hundred dollars" depending upon whom you ask.

Club co-founder Ray Pennetti Sr. put the haul at $1,500 and acknowledged spending half of it on the club. He also said the club contributed to Fox Hollow Elementary, but could produce no receipt. The school said it received no such donation.

Pennetti and his son, Ray Jr., the club president, rationalize their greed by noting the club raised the money, so it should be able to spend it as it sees fit.

It is shameless exploitation for which the pair do not apologize. Instead, they blame the child's family for confusion over who controlled her trust fund.

Bunk. The pair capitalized on tragedy, received a nice dividend and had little regard for the fallout.

Micklo, now 8, has brain damage. Her family fears she will never fully recover. Insurance covers much of her bills, but they worry about somebody else falling prey to unscrupulous profiteering.

The Reazon II Roll club is defunct, its members quitting in frustration over the Pennettis' accounting practices.

And the additional victims include the legitimate charities that raise money for worthwhile causes. They will confront skepticism and a public perception that contributions may never make it to the beneficiaries. That is the stain from the actions of the Pennettis.

Assistant State Attorney Mike Halkitis said he presumes the Pasco Sheriff's Office will investigate. Deputies, though, need a formal complaint before acting.

Authorities should investigate. Last time we checked, grand theft and fraud were still illegal.

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