DONOR SUIT HEADS TO COURT AREA UNITED WAY SEEKS TO THROW OUT ALLEGED BOY SCOUT-FUNDING BREACH.Byline: Andrea Cavanaugh Staff Writer VENTURA - A hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3 to consider a lawsuit brought by a Camarillo couple against the United Way of Ventura County, alleging that the agency violated vi·o·late tr.v. vi·o·lat·ed, vi·o·lat·ing, vi·o·lates 1. To break or disregard (a law or promise, for example). 2. To assault (a person) sexually. 3. an oral agreement when it stopped giving money to the Boy Scouts of America Noun 1. Boy Scouts of America - a corporation that operates through a national council that charters local councils all over the United States; the purpose is character building and citizenship training . Denny and Allyson Weinberg filed the lawsuit in September, saying the United Way reneged on promises to continually fund the Boy Scouts Boy Scouts, organization of boys 11 to 17 years old, founded (1907) in Great Britain by Sir Robert (later Lord) Baden-Powell. It was incorporated in 1910 in the United States, where its appearance was connected with earlier organizations—the Sons of Daniel and to ensure that 85 percent of contributions reached member organizations within three months of donation. A hearing to consider a motion by the United Way asking that the lawsuit be dismissed is set for Dec. 3. The Boy Scouts of America, which refuses to appoint homosexuals to leadership roles, lost its United Way funding in July after the agency adopted an ``inclusiveness policy'' in June 2001. In October 2001, the Weinbergs pledged nearly $100,000 after former executive director Sharon Solomon promised that the Boy Scouts would never become ineligible in·el·i·gi·ble adj. 1. Disqualified by law, rule, or provision: ineligible to run for office; ineligible for health benefits. 2. for funding, the lawsuit alleges. ``At the very time the promise was being made to Mr. Weinberg, the executive director knew that the United Way was poised to pass and implement their inclusiveness policy,'' said attorney Richard Kahdeman, who represents the Weinbergs. United Way President David Smith said Solomon, who no longer works for the agency, never made such a pledge. ``We don't believe the charge is accurate,'' Smith said. ``She was not in the position to make any such promise.'' Solomon has an unlisted telephone number and could not be reached for comment. Because the inclusiveness policy didn't take effect until July, the Boy Scouts were among the recipients of the Weinbergs' donation and all others collected during the 2001-2002 fund-raising campaign Noun 1. fund-raising campaign - a campaign to raise money for some cause fund-raising drive, fund-raising effort crusade, campaign, cause, drive, effort, movement - a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end; "he supported , Smith said. The lawsuit seeks unspecified Adj. 1. unspecified - not stated explicitly or in detail; "threatened unspecified reprisals" specified - clearly and explicitly stated; "meals are at specified times" damages and asks for a court order that will compel Compel - COMpute ParallEL the United Way to continue to fund the Boy Scouts of America. Andrea Cavanaugh, (805) 583-7604 andrea.cavanaugh(at)dailynews.com |
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